mere departure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mere departure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that a departure is insignificant or trivial in comparison to other matters. Example: "His mere departure from the meeting did not affect the overall outcome of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Mr. Schneider's mere departure was more than enough material for the Hollywood gossip factory.

The New York Times

If you're in a cult that lives in a compound, you might be planning an escape rather than a mere departure.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The words are mere point of departure for a majestic vocal narrative progression he's invented.

The New Yorker

Although some would call that holding a city to ransom, the mere threat of departure was sufficient to get local politicians worried.

The Guardian - Sport

But these are mere points of departure, from which he takes off, and to which he returns, having in the meantime illuminated, with earthy erudition, one facet or another of London that he has identified as a constant.

The New York Times - Books

There has even been the argument, made by some in the Brexit camp, that the mere threat of departure following a vote to leave could smooth the way to a better deal for Britain which could then be put to voters in a second referendum on EU membership.

The Guardian

The rail tickets remind passengers to be onboard a mere two minutes before departure, and the only security procedure involves passing large suitcases though a scanner.

The New York Times - Science

In Mr. Siskind's, Mr. Kurtág's and Mr. Amy's work's, similarly, the glances backward were mere points of philosophical departure.

The New York Times - Arts

The risks are everywhere, from long waits on the tarmac after missing a scheduled departure by mere minutes, to choosing routes that turn out to be money-losers when air travellers don't fly them as often as expected.

BBC

Amid this excitement, nobody pays attention to a onetime million-selling pop veteran sat mere yards away in departures.

The Guardian - Music

There's a link to Surrealism in the symbolic imagery, and also in the Miró-like flourishes, but Beck takes his project beyond mere homage in this soulful departure from his previous, more strictly appropriationist work.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mere departure" when you want to downplay the significance of someone leaving. It implies the departure is not important or consequential.

Common error

Avoid using "mere departure" when the leaving has significant consequences. Choose stronger language to reflect the actual impact of the situation if the departure is indeed important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mere departure" functions as a noun phrase, where 'mere' acts as an adjective modifying 'departure'. It describes a leaving or exit, emphasizing its insignificance or lack of importance. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's used to downplay the significance of someone leaving.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mere departure" is a phrase used to indicate that a leaving or exit is insignificant or unimportant. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to downplay the impact of a departure. While not particularly frequent, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When using this phrase, consider whether the situation genuinely warrants minimizing the importance of a departure or whether a stronger term is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple exit

Emphasizes the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the departure.

unremarkable leaving

Highlights the lack of significance or noteworthiness of the act of leaving.

insignificant exit

Focuses on the unimportance or triviality of the departure.

routine departure

Suggests the departure is ordinary and happens regularly.

minor exit

Indicates the departure is small and of little consequence.

casual exit

Highlights the informal and relaxed nature of the departure.

slight withdrawal

Emphasizes the small and subtle nature of the leaving.

passing exit

Suggests the departure is brief and fleeting.

token exit

Highlights the superficial or symbolic nature of the departure.

nominal exit

Implies the departure exists in name only and has little real impact.

FAQs

How can I use "mere departure" in a sentence?

You can use "mere departure" to suggest that someone's leaving is not significant, for example: "His "mere departure" from the project team didn't affect our progress".

What's a good alternative to "mere departure"?

Alternatives include "simple exit", "unremarkable leaving", or "insignificant exit", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to use "mere departure" in formal writing?

Yes, "mere departure" can be appropriate in formal writing when you want to objectively convey that a leaving has little to no impact. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it doesn't come across as dismissive.

What is the difference between "mere departure" and "significant departure"?

"Mere departure" implies that a leaving is unimportant, while "significant departure" suggests that it is substantial and noteworthy. The choice depends on the actual impact of the departure.