it is merely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it is merely' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest that a situation, statement, or opinion is only partially true, important, or valid. For example: "He believes that his skills are invaluable, but it is merely a matter of opinion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is merely soodling along, doing its job.

Independent

It is merely foolish.

The New York Times

It is merely expressive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is merely very ugly".

The New Yorker

It is merely being human.

The New York Times

It is merely life support.

The New York Times - Science

Instead it is merely pointless.

The Guardian

It is merely ironic.

The New York Times - Books

It is merely contrary.

The Guardian

It is merely indifferent.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is merely the next step.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is merely" to downplay a statement or situation, suggesting it's not as significant or complex as it might seem. This can be useful for providing perspective or managing expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "it is merely" to brush aside genuine issues or feelings. While it can be used to provide perspective, overuse can come across as dismissive or insensitive. Consider whether a more empathetic or constructive approach is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is merely" functions as a qualifier, limiting the scope or importance of a statement. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it tempers assertions, suggesting something is not as significant as it might initially appear. For instance, "It is merely a suggestion."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is merely" is a versatile qualifier used to downplay the significance or complexity of a statement. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in News & Media. To use it effectively, employ it to provide perspective or manage expectations, but be cautious not to overuse it to dismiss valid concerns. Consider alternatives like "it is simply" or "it is just" for nuanced expression. The sources suggest neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is simply

Emphasizes the uncomplicated nature of something, similar to "it is merely" but potentially stronger in implying ease.

it is just

Indicates that something is only what it is, no more and no less, much like "it is merely".

it is purely

Stresses that something is exclusively of a particular nature, sharing the limiting aspect of "it is merely".

it is only

Highlights the limited scope or importance of something, comparable to "it is merely".

it is solely

Indicates that something is exclusively responsible or involved, akin to the restrictive sense of "it is merely".

it is essentially

Conveys that the fundamental nature of something is being described, sharing a focus with "it is merely".

it is fundamentally

Emphasizes the basic and underlying nature of something, similar to focusing on the core aspect with "it is merely".

it is basically

Suggests a simplified explanation or understanding, aligning with the reductive quality of "it is merely".

it is nothing more than

Explicitly states that something is not greater or more significant than what is described, like "it is merely".

it is no more than

Underscores the limited extent or degree of something, providing a similar sense of restriction as "it is merely".

FAQs

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

Use "it is merely" to qualify a statement, suggesting that something is only what it is and nothing more. For example, "It is merely a suggestion, not a requirement."

What are some alternatives to "it is merely"?

You can use alternatives like "it is simply", "it is just", or "it is only" depending on the context.

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

It's appropriate when you want to downplay the significance or complexity of something. For example, you might say, "It is merely a temporary setback" to reassure someone.

What's the tone conveyed by using "it is merely"?

It conveys a tone of understatement or qualification, suggesting that something is less important or significant than it might appear. This can be useful for providing a more balanced perspective.