it merely includes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it merely includes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is not extensive and only consists of certain elements or aspects. Example: "The report is not comprehensive; it merely includes the key findings from the research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It merely includes the president in the process.

The Economist

For Mr. Houghton, this larger canvas remains consistent with the theater's original goals; it merely includes more writers at various stages of their careers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In Whitney's world, it no longer merely includes those instances where a municipality reneges on its obligations, but also refinancings or as she calls them "restructurings" of debt, in which issuers can replace old debt with new bonds at lower interest rates.

Huffington Post

The analyzed matrix merely includes 669 shared characters (i.e., nucleotides) due to the incomplete rbc L sequences for the specimen from Small Port, KNP, and southern Taiwan.

Botanical Studies

It is important to return to the issue of long-term results in a future work with customized testing material which merely includes the topics relevant for the videos.

Smart Learning Environments

One possible explanation for this discrepancy is the fact that the diary merely includes strenuous activities, whereas the LAPAQ questionnaire reflects the net sum of all physical activities (including household activities).

British Medical Journal

It plays down government coercion by describing the department as merely "including contraceptives in basic health care coverage," omitting that the coverage is included by force, even over religious and moral objection.

The New York Times

In a chronically hypoxic tissue such as cartilage, adaptations to hypoxia do not merely include cell survival responses, but also promotion of its specific function.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Mr. Smith said the figures in the rendering were merely included for scale.

The New York Times

If they have asked for excellent communication skills, you're going to need to do better than merely including the sentence "I have excellent communication skills".

The Guardian

They have catapulted their heroine into the thick of all kinds of adventures that merely include engagement and marriage to her longtime beau, Gilbert Blythe, a romantic triangle, publishing intrigue, espionage and war.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it merely includes", ensure you clearly define the limited scope or specific elements that are being included to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it merely includes" when the subject actually encompasses a broad range of elements. Using it in such cases can mislead the reader about the extent of inclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it merely includes" functions as a qualifier, limiting the scope of what is contained or encompassed by the subject. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it introduces a specification, indicating that something does not include everything, only certain aspects.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it merely includes" is used to specify a restricted scope of inclusion. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a qualifier, indicating that the subject contains only certain elements. While grammatically correct, its frequency is relatively low. Its neutral tone allows for versatile use across news, science, and formal business contexts. Be mindful to avoid overstating the scope when using this phrase, and consider alternatives like "it simply encompasses" or "it just contains" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it simply encompasses

This alternative suggests a straightforward inclusion, minimizing complexity.

it just contains

This phrase emphasizes the limited scope of what is included.

it only comprises

This indicates that the subject is made up of a specific, limited set of elements.

it solely consists of

This alternative stresses that there are no other components involved.

it exclusively features

This highlights the unique and restricted nature of the included items.

it partially integrates

This suggests that some aspects are included, but not the entirety.

it nominally involves

This indicates a superficial or token inclusion.

it tangentially touches upon

This shows that the inclusion is indirect or peripheral.

it superficially covers

This implies a brief or shallow examination of the included items.

it indirectly incorporates

This phrase shows inclusion is achieved in an roundabout way or not directly.

FAQs

What does "it merely includes" mean?

The phrase "it merely includes" suggests that something contains only a limited or specific set of items, implying a narrow scope.

What are some alternatives to "it merely includes"?

You can use alternatives like "it simply encompasses", "it just contains", or "it only comprises" to convey a similar meaning.

How to use "it merely includes" in a sentence?

For example, you might say, "The software update is minor; "it merely includes" bug fixes and security patches."

Is it correct to say "it merely includes", or should I use a different phrase?

The phrase "it merely includes" is grammatically correct and widely understood. Its suitability depends on the context and desired level of formality.