it merely possesses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it merely possesses" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has a quality or characteristic, but it does not imply any additional significance or action beyond that possession. Example: "The artifact is not functional; it merely possesses historical value."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Subsection (c) of section 109 qualifies the privileges specified in subsections (a) and (b) by making clear that they do not apply to someone who merely possesses a copy or phonorecord without having acquired ownership of it.

Cornell University

In fact, it remains a challenge even today to properly understand the Eckhartian thought that man is free only if he (not merely possesses but instead) is freedom.

SEP

Gast_HSP47_1, Oryz_HSP47_1 and Fugu_HSP47_1, however, contain two additional introns (positions 36b and 102c, respectively); Gast_HSP47_2, in contrast, merely possesses the default introns.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The living man is not really without this privilege — strictly speaking — but as he possesses it merely as an empty formality, and knows better than to make use of it, it cannot be seriously regarded as an actual possession.

The New Yorker

Things rank and gross in nature / Possess it merely" (Act I, scene 2, lines 135 137).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Buddhism is not alone in its spiritual advice of practiced non-attachment to objects as a means of avoiding emotional possession by what one should perhaps merely possess.

The Guardian - Opinion

The U.S. must not merely possess the means to act alone if necessary; it must also cultivate the will.

Forbes

As far as people who have been harmed by police and still hate or hold a grudge, I have this apology: It was wrong for me to use violence against you for merely possessing or trading in drugs.

Vice

A. Monopoly Power While merely possessing monopoly power is not itself an antitrust violation, it is a necessary element of a monopolization charge.

The New York Times

Merely possessing this material is a serious criminal offence".

The Guardian

"And merely possessing other firearms is not a crime at all".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it merely possesses" to downplay the significance of a specific attribute or feature. This construction is useful when you want to emphasize that something does not have additional qualities or functionalities beyond the one mentioned.

Common error

Avoid using "it merely possesses" when you actually want to highlight the importance or value of the attribute. This phrase is best suited for contexts where you intend to minimize expectations or highlight limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it merely possesses" functions to attribute a quality or feature while simultaneously diminishing its significance. It suggests that the subject's attribute is basic or limited, with no additional implications. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it merely possesses" is a grammatically correct and usable expression employed to attribute a quality while downplaying its significance. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to communicate a factual statement with managed expectations, best suited for neutral to formal contexts. While versatile, it is important to avoid using it when you want to emphasize the attribute's importance, as it can unintentionally diminish its perceived value. Given its sparse occurrence in diverse sources, careful consideration of context is crucial for effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it simply has

Replaces "merely possesses" with a simpler verb, focusing on the basic attribute without extra nuance.

it only has

Emphasizes the limitation of what is possessed, making it a more direct substitute.

it solely features

Highlights the exclusivity of the feature, changing the verb to "features" for a slightly different focus.

it just contains

Shifts the focus to the components, using "contains" to describe what the subject holds.

it exclusively includes

Stresses the exclusivity of the included elements, providing a restrictive sense.

it nominally holds

Introduces a sense of nominal or superficial possession, adding a layer of skepticism.

it formally comprises

Offers a more structured and formal way of stating what something is made up of.

it superficially shows

Focuses on what is outwardly apparent, changing the verb to "shows" for a different perspective.

it barely exhibits

Indicates a minimal display of a characteristic, using "exhibits" to mean shows or displays.

it technically carries

Highlights the technical or official aspect of possessing something, framing it in a precise context.

FAQs

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

Use "it merely possesses" to indicate that something has a specific attribute without implying further significance. For example, "The device is outdated; "it merely possesses" basic functionality".

What are some alternatives to "it merely possesses"?

Alternatives include "it simply has", "it only has", or "it just contains", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it merely possesses" formal or informal?

"It merely possesses" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "it just has" may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "it merely possesses" and "it fully possesses"?

"It merely possesses" implies a limitation or lack of additional qualities, while "it fully possesses" suggests a complete and comprehensive presence of the specified attribute. The former downplays, and the latter emphasizes.