may not merely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may not merely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not just limited to a certain aspect or characteristic, suggesting a broader implication or significance. Example: "The findings of this study may not merely reflect the opinions of the participants but also indicate a larger trend in society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Salient notice and consent options may not merely empower users to make an informed consent decision.

International Review of Law and Economics

Schambra suspects tDCS may not merely trigger the placebo effect, as all treatments do, but actually amplify it.

The New Yorker

But like consumers, terrorists may not merely stop buying a product, they may buy a cheaper substitute.

The New York Times

As president of a country made up of diasporas, it may not merely be electioneering that leads Obama to Offaly, but something deep and genuine.

The Guardian - Opinion

And so high T levels may not merely be responses to a violent environment; they may subsequently add to it in what becomes an increasingly violent, sexualized cycle.

The New York Times - Magazine

One inference is that the bacteria may not merely be living in the plaques, but creating them.There is a risk to this kind of reasoning, of course.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Thus, while interindividual variability increases from newborn to adult blood, the underlying methylation changes may not be merely stochastic, but seem to be orchestrated as clusters of adjacent CpG sites.

Epigenetics

If so, he - or she - may not be merely an untrustworthy cad but an addict in need of psychiatric help.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The lipotoxic effect may not be merely a consequence of FFA accumulation but rather a more complex mechanism involving the lipid metabolism in hepatocytes as it appears that changes in non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol may precede the onset of NAFLD [ 35].

BioMed Research International

But a closer look suggests his aim may not be merely to launch a raid this time around.

Forbes

One possibility is that Ybp2 may not be merely a structural component of the kinetochore complex, but have a chaperone function by helping arrange the central kinetochore subcomplexes.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may not merely", ensure that the sentence clearly articulates what the subject is in addition to the initial, potentially limited perception. This provides a richer understanding and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "may not merely" without providing the contrasting or additional element. For example, instead of saying "The problem may not merely be financial", specify what else the problem involves, like "The problem may not merely be financial, but also logistical".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may not merely" serves as a qualifying expression, indicating that a particular attribute or explanation is insufficient or incomplete. It sets up a contrast, suggesting that something has additional, often more significant, aspects. As Ludwig confirms, this is a grammatically correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may not merely" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed construction that indicates something possesses more complexity or significance than initially meets the eye. It's prevalent in news, science and encyclopedic contexts, showcasing its use in thoughtful and considered discourse. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and highlights its purpose of broadening understanding and prompting deeper analysis. When employing this phrase, ensure you explicitly provide the contrasting or additional aspect to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "is more than just" or "involves more than" can offer similar nuances depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is more than just

Directly states that something has additional aspects or qualities.

encompasses more than

Emphasizes the inclusion of additional elements or factors.

goes beyond just

Indicates that something surpasses basic expectations or limitations.

involves more than

Suggests a greater level of complexity or wider scope than initially perceived.

is not only

Implies additional elements beyond the one being discussed.

is not simply

Focuses on simplifying the understanding by excluding superficial factors.

extends beyond

Expresses that the range or impact of something is wider than initially apparent.

is not exclusively

Highlights that something is not limited to a single attribute.

is not restricted to

Focuses on the lack of constraints or limitations on something.

is broader than

Indicates a wider scope or application compared to what is immediately obvious.

FAQs

How can I use "may not merely" in a sentence?

Use "may not merely" to suggest that something is more complex or has additional aspects beyond what is initially apparent. For example, "The solution "may not merely" address the symptoms, but also the underlying cause".

What are some alternatives to "may not merely"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is more than just", "involves more than", or "is not simply", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "may not merely"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It's used to introduce a contrast, indicating that something is not limited to a single aspect or explanation. Ludwig confirms its correctness.

What is the difference between "may not merely" and "may not only"?

"May not merely" suggests that something has other dimensions or significance besides the one mentioned, while "may not only" introduces an additional item in a list or series. "May not merely" emphasizes complexity, whereas "may not only" focuses on inclusion.