it merely takes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it merely takes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something requires only a small amount of effort or time to achieve a result. Example: "To succeed in this project, it merely takes dedication and a willingness to learn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It merely takes the onus off the rest of society to seriously consider what we can all do to prevent sexual violence.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, like everyone else, it merely takes a doctor's confirmation of severe injury to a woman's physical or mental health, or serious birth defects incompatible with life, in order to access an abortion after this cut-off point.

The Guardian - Opinion

Double-blind design is not meant to imply mendacious intent on the part of researchers or of subjects; it merely takes into consideration the subconscious human bias that subtly creeps into scientific observation.Nevertheless, "To try to abolish bias is impossible", according to Dr Smith.

The Economist

Particularly, it merely takes eight searches at N = 2, a figure tantamount to 12.5% of that required in GPR-2, 16.7% in IFPR, and 50% in RCM-2, but provides comparable speech quality.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

However Kleppmann points out that even if the math itself is solid, it merely takes one person with knowledge of the NOBUS to leak it — and then, as he puts it, "all mathematical impossibility goes out of the window".

TechCrunch

No matter what he says or does, Trump's popularity among his supporters doesn't take a big hit, it merely takes a hiccup.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The last administration did not feel so constrained; it merely took the costs "off budget".

The New York Times

Finding itself in our house, in an increasingly gentrified part of Hackney where less well-off cats will soon be a rarity, it merely took advantage of the best toilet facilities available to it.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is merely taking what it considers the best advantage of the choices available.

Forbes

While the company pleaded guilty to making false statements, after the hearing it issued a statement saying that it was merely taking responsibility for the actions of one former executive.

The New York Times

If nothing else, 2012 may make clearer whether the partisanship of newspaper endorsements has really shifted to the left or whether it has merely taken a detour from its traditionally rightward route.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it merely takes" to streamline explanations and emphasize efficiency, particularly in scenarios where you want to downplay the effort required to achieve a specific result.

Common error

Avoid using "it merely takes" if the task involves significant complexity or numerous steps. This can mislead the audience and undermine credibility. Be honest about the effort involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it merely takes" functions as an introductory clause highlighting a sufficient condition for a particular result. It sets the stage by emphasizing the minimal effort, resource, or action needed. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate how this phrase frames situations where achieving something seems straightforward.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it merely takes" is a versatile phrase used to underscore the simplicity and ease of achieving a specific result. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it functions as an introductory clause that highlights a sufficient condition. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase follows standard grammatical rules. While generally neutral, its usage spans from news and media to scientific contexts, making it a valuable tool for simplifying explanations and setting expectations appropriately. When using this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects the simplicity being conveyed to avoid misleading the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it simply requires

Replaces 'merely takes' with 'simply requires', emphasizing ease and basic necessity.

it just needs

Uses 'just needs' to suggest a fundamental and uncomplicated prerequisite.

it only demands

Substitutes 'merely takes' with 'only demands', highlighting a singular, not excessive requirement.

all it involves is

Expands the structure to specify that 'all it involves is', stressing that nothing more is necessary.

it primarily entails

Replaces 'merely takes' with 'primarily entails', indicating the main component or condition.

it essentially boils down to

Indicates that the core requirement is simpler than it may appear, using the idiom 'boils down to'.

it fundamentally relies on

Shifts the focus to the underlying dependency for the outcome.

it principally hinges on

Uses 'hinges on' to emphasize that the result depends predominantly on a single factor.

the sole condition is

Highlights that there is only one requirement.

it crucially depends on

Emphasizes that the result 'crucially depends on' something to happen.

FAQs

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

Use "it merely takes" to indicate that only a small amount of effort, time, or a single factor is needed to achieve a specific outcome. For example, "To improve your writing, "it merely takes" consistent practice".

What can I say instead of "it merely takes"?

You can use alternatives like "it simply requires", "it just needs", or "all it involves is" depending on the context.

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

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the simplicity or ease of achieving something, suggesting that the necessary action or input is minimal. Ensure the context supports this interpretation.

Is "it merely takes" formal or informal?

"It merely takes" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider the audience and choose a synonym if a more formal or informal tone is desired.