it merely works

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it merely works" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something functions or operates without any additional features or complexities. Example: "The new software is not flashy, but it merely works as intended without any glitches."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It merely works on variations that come into existence spontaneously; it cannot call innovations into existence just because they might be advantageous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It doesn't merely work; it flies.

The Guardian - Books

These discoveries challenged the classical view of determinism, the idea of a "clockwork universe" that merely works out the consequences of fixed laws of nature, starting from given initial conditions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So it is all right to be a billionaire if you own the show, not so all right to be a millionaire if you merely work for it.

Independent

Richard Avedon had been a passionate reader of the magazine, week after week, for more than fifty years — a much more passionate reader than many of us who merely worked for it.

The New Yorker

Richard Avedon had been a passionate reader of the magazine, week after week, for more than fifty years a much more passionate reader than many of us who merely worked for it.

The New Yorker

"It it was so exciting, we were energized and merely working from a mattress on the floor".

TechCrunch

It's the exact same situation that RIM had been facing, so we could be looking at a case where India is merely "working its way down the to-do list".

TechCrunch

It should be made clear that Ms. Feldshuh is not merely working a gimmick.

The New York Times

Athletes don't merely work harder than they once did.

The New Yorker

(The danger is minuscule for people who merely work in buildings containing the spray, scientists say).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it merely works" when you want to downplay the capabilities of something, emphasizing basic functionality without additional features.

Common error

Avoid using "it merely works" when describing something with advanced capabilities. This phrase is best suited for scenarios where simplicity or basic operation is the focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it merely works" primarily functions as a statement indicating basic functionality. As seen in Ludwig, it specifies that something operates without any extra features or complexities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it merely works" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, indicating that something functions without any added features or complexities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides various real-world examples. Although not very common, the phrase appears in a range of contexts, from news articles to encyclopedias, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, consider that alternatives such as "it simply functions" or "it just operates" can offer similar meanings with slight differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it simply functions

Replaces "merely works" with "simply functions", emphasizing basic operation.

it just operates

Substitutes "merely works" with "just operates", conveying a sense of uncomplicated action.

it plainly functions

Similar to "simply functions", but with a slightly more direct tone.

it only functions

Replaces "merely" with "only", highlighting the limitation to basic functionality.

it essentially functions

Replaces "merely" with "essentially", emphasizing the core functionality.

it technically functions

Highlights the technical correctness but not necessarily the efficiency of its operation.

it barely functions

Changes "merely" to "barely", suggesting minimal functionality.

it formally operates

Suggests that the operation is according to rules and regulations.

it nominally operates

Replaces "merely works" with "nominally operates", conveying that it operates in name only.

it superficially works

Emphasizes the lack of depth or effectiveness in its operation.

FAQs

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

You can use "it merely works" to describe something that functions as intended, without any extra features or exceptional performance. For example, "The software isn't fancy, it merely works."

What's the difference between "it merely works" and "it works well"?

"It merely works" indicates basic functionality, while "it works well" suggests effective and satisfactory performance. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the capability being described.

What are some alternatives to "it merely works"?

You can use alternatives like "it simply functions", "it just operates", or "it only functions", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it merely works" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "it merely works" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when you need to objectively describe a basic level of functionality. However, consider if a more precise term might be more appropriate depending on the context.