is merely required

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is merely required" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is only necessary or essential without any additional expectations or conditions. Example: "For this project, a basic understanding of the software is merely required to complete the tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The S.E.C. is merely required to "consider" the costs, not write a formal study.

The New York Times

Minicab drivers do not have to demonstrate familiarity with London; an applicant is merely required to pass a background check and take a "topographical test". Minicabs can also offer cheaper fares than taxis, whose metered pricing schemes are strictly regulated.

The New York Times

It is further to be observed that the option is given to complainant to take these improvements with the land, or to reject the improvements, and take the land without them; in which latter case he is merely required to give the owners of the improvements access to the land, for the purpose of removing them.

Cornell University

In such results, the involved contraction condition is considerably weakened as one is merely required to hold only on those elements which are comparable in the underlying partial ordering.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

This argues that the most direct method to distinguish whether a signaling component is merely required for a signaling pathway or whether it functions as part of a positive feedback loop is to perform rapid chemical perturbations that are faster than the feedback time constants.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Gentlemen are merely required to wear black or grey morning dress with a top hat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They did not consider him a danger, however, so he was merely required to be out at 7 a.m. every day when the police called for him.

The New York Times - Arts

Even so, when he crossed for Leandro to shoot from close range Jose Mendoza was merely required to make a routine save.

The Guardian - Sport

The Black Bird (1975) was a strained spoof of The Maltese Falcon, with Audran as a Russian with a strong French accent; and she was merely required to wear designer gowns as a rich Iranian in the lame comedy Silver Bears (1978).

The Guardian - Film

Up until now, traders were merely required to "locate" shares they'd be borrowing to short.

Forbes

Producers are merely required to submit a short application and copy of the requested label, in addition to a description of how the birds are housed.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is merely required" to clearly state the minimum expectations or obligations, avoiding ambiguity. It's effective when you want to downplay additional effort or conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "is merely required" when the situation involves implied secondary requirements. This phrase can sound misleading if unstated expectations exist. For example, saying "passing the exam is merely required" might be inaccurate if significant studying is implicitly necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is merely required" functions as a qualifier, specifying that something is only just necessary, indicating a minimal level of expectation or obligation. As evidenced by Ludwig, it sets a boundary, clarifying what is sufficient without further demands.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is merely required" serves to denote a basic necessity without implying further complexity or effort. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this expression commonly appears in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While grammatically correct and widely understood, its use should be carefully considered to avoid misleading readers if additional, unstated expectations exist. Alternatives such as "is simply needed" or "is only necessary" may be more appropriate in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is simply needed

Focuses on the simplicity of the requirement, indicating no extra conditions are attached.

is only necessary

Highlights that nothing more than what is stated is needed.

is just essential

Emphasizes the essential nature of the requirement, but nothing beyond that.

is barely sufficient

Suggests the requirement is at the lowest acceptable level.

is the only prerequisite

States that no other conditions need to be fulfilled.

is all that's demanded

Highlights that the specified thing is the complete extent of the demand.

is the minimum needed

Emphasizes the minimal aspect of the requirement.

is solely obligatory

Stresses that the thing mentioned is the single obligatory aspect.

is fundamentally imperative

Highlights the imperative nature of something, focusing on that fundamental element.

is strictly what's expected

Conveys that the requirement aligns exactly with what is anticipated, without deviation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is merely required" indicates that something is only just necessary or essential, without additional expectations. For example, "For this role, a high school diploma is merely required."

What's a good alternative to "is merely required"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is simply needed", "is only necessary", or "is just essential" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "is merely required" and "is strictly required"?

While both phrases denote a requirement, "is strictly required" implies a firm, non-negotiable condition, whereas "is merely required" suggests the bare minimum is sufficient. The difference lies in the degree of inflexibility and possible leniency.

When should I use "is merely required" instead of "is essential"?

"Is essential" implies that something is indispensable. "Is merely required" suggests that it is just needed and no more. Use "is merely required" when you want to downplay the level of effort or complexity involved, indicating that meeting the basic requirement is enough.