is merely that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is merely that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is only what has been stated, often in a context where there may be a misunderstanding or overcomplication. Example: "The issue at hand is merely that we need to improve our communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The importance of the lawsuit is merely that hard as they tried to rewrite history, they can't be permitted to get away with it".

The New York Times

Rather, the conclusion is merely that plausible versions of the three theories do not necessarily conflict.

SEP

The esse apparens of a sensed object is merely that object as sensed.

SEP

In response, it has been argued that what is essential to belief is merely that beliefs have contents that are true or false, not that one ought to believe a content if and only if it is true.

SEP

The will, however, is merely that impression we feel when we knowingly give rise to an action (T 2.3.1.2); so while Hume is not explicit (and perhaps not consistent) on this matter, it seems that he does not regard the will as itself a (separate) cause of action.

SEP

2. A mistake is merely that -- a chance to learn something helpful.

Huffington Post

But a convention is merely that.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hunt's complaint is merely that he "overapplies his own life story to the totality of education".

The Guardian

Adrian Searle agrees that the effect is different – but the result, he says, is merely that he likes it differently.

The Guardian - Arts

It's a dog-eat-dog industry and although there is a veneer of camaraderie, it is merely that.

The Guardian - Opinion

The secret of this success, we take it, is merely that the author is a person of genius".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is merely that" to clarify or simplify a complex situation, focusing on the essential point. It's particularly effective when countering potential misunderstandings or overcomplications.

Common error

Avoid using "is merely that" excessively, as it can sometimes come across as dismissive or condescending. Ensure that its use is appropriate for the context and doesn't belittle genuine concerns or achievements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is merely that" functions as a clarifier or simplifier, emphasizing that a situation or explanation is not as complex as it might seem. Ludwig AI validates this through numerous examples where the phrase serves to distill a concept down to its core essence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is merely that" serves as a tool for simplification and clarification, helping to cut through complexity and highlight the essential point. As supported by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct and is commonly found in both news and scientific writing. To prevent sounding dismissive, use it judiciously. Consider alternatives such as "is simply that" or "is just that" based on the desired nuance. Remember that while frequent, its overuse can diminish its impact, so strive for balanced and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is simply that

Replaces "merely" with "simply", emphasizing the straightforward nature of the statement.

is just that

Substitutes "merely" with "just", suggesting the core reason or explanation.

is only that

Emphasizes the exclusivity of the statement by using "only" instead of "merely".

is solely that

Indicates that something is exclusively and completely that.

is purely that

Highlights the unmixed or unadulterated nature of the statement.

is essentially that

Focuses on the fundamental or core aspect of the statement.

is basically that

Indicates the fundamental or elementary nature of the statement.

amounts to

Expresses that something is equivalent to or results in something else, rather than being that thing directly.

reduces to

Indicates that something can be simplified or broken down into something more basic.

is nothing more than

Downplays the significance of something, presenting it as basic or unremarkable.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is merely that" is used to simplify or clarify a point, often in response to potential overcomplication or misunderstanding. For example, "The problem "is merely that" we lack the necessary resources."

What are some alternatives to "is merely that"?

Alternatives to "is merely that" include "is simply that", "is just that", or "amounts to". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is merely that"?

Use "is merely that" when you want to emphasize the simplicity of a situation or idea, especially when there is a risk of it being misinterpreted as more complex than it is. Be mindful of tone to avoid sounding dismissive.

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

"Is merely that" and "is only that" are quite similar. However, "is only that" can sometimes carry a stronger implication of exclusivity, whereas "is merely that" focuses more on simplification and reduction of complexity.