is merely one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is merely one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is just one example or instance among many. Example: "This theory is merely one of several that attempt to explain the phenomenon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For others, it is merely one milestone on a long road of mourning.

The New York Times

But it is merely one step on the ladder to a new post-carbon paradigm.

The Guardian

The latest episode is merely one more horrific event in a conflict that has increasingly taken on genocidal characteristics.

The Guardian

Officially, the governor's position is merely one of thousands of comments being delivered to the federal government on the plan.

The New York Times

"This is merely one step".

The New York Times

Moore is merely one example.

The New Yorker

And this, of course, is merely one station".

The New York Times

A second issue is merely one of fairness.

The Guardian - Tech

With the way problems are piling up, it is merely one of his many challenges.

The New York Times - Sports

This is merely one of thousands of similar incidents throughout the United States.

The Guardian

But Breitbart is merely one strand in the growing neocon web.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is merely one", ensure that the larger context is clearly defined to provide a frame of reference. This helps the reader understand the relative importance of the element being described.

Common error

Avoid using "is merely one" when the item you are describing is, in fact, crucial or foundational. Using the phrase in this context can mislead the reader and undermine the actual importance of the element.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is merely one" functions as a qualifier, diminishing the perceived importance or significance of a particular item or aspect within a broader context. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is merely one" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something is just one part of a larger whole. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, especially in news and media. When writing, use this phrase to provide perspective and avoid overstating the importance of individual elements. Consider alternatives like "is just one" or "is simply one" to achieve similar effects. However, it's important to ensure that you accurately represent the significance of the item being described, and avoid using the phrase in contexts where it might downplay something that is, in fact, critical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is just one

Replaces "merely" with "just", simplifying the phrase while maintaining the core meaning of being one of many.

is simply one

Substitutes "merely" with "simply", conveying a sense of straightforwardness and lack of complication.

is only one

Emphasizes the exclusivity of being just one, similar to the original phrase but with a slightly stronger focus.

is but one

Uses "but" to add a touch of understatement or literary flair, highlighting the limited significance of being just one.

is solely one

Replaces "merely" with "solely" implying something is exclusively one, excluding others.

represents only one

Shifts the focus to representation, indicating that something is just one example or instance.

constitutes just one

Highlights that something forms only a single part of a larger whole.

is a single instance

Replaces the whole phrase to focus on the instance of something, conveying a similar meaning.

is a solitary example

Uses "solitary" to emphasize the isolated nature of being just one example.

is one of many

Expands the phrase to explicitly state that something is one among numerous others.

FAQs

How can I use "is merely one" in a sentence?

Use "is merely one" to indicate that something is just one example, aspect, or component among many. For instance, "This symptom "is merely one" of several possible indicators of the disease".

What are some alternatives to "is merely one"?

You can use alternatives like "is just one", "is simply one", or "is only one" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it more appropriate to use "is merely one" or "is just one"?

Both ""is merely one"" and "is just one" are correct. "Is merely one" might sound slightly more formal, but the choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "is merely one" and "is the only one"?

"Is merely one" indicates that something is one of many, while "is the only one" means it is unique and no others exist. They have opposite meanings.