mere mention of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mere mention of" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe a brief or passing reference to something. It can be used in various contexts, such as in a formal essay or in casual conversation. Example: "The mere mention of her name brings back fond memories of our childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

At the mere mention of Mr. Crist, the crowd jeered.

The New York Times

The mere mention of refereeing has him giggling.

The Guardian - Sport

The mere mention of it makes me feel queasy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even now the mere mention of tripe makes mum gag.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The mere mention of frozen food leaves Mohammed Uddin cold.

The New York Times

Now, players bristle at the mere mention of that game.

The New York Times

Mere mention of his name could alter the dynamic of a situation.

The New York Times

Among economists who know their history, the mere mention of certain years evokes shivers.

The New York Times

As for blacksmiths, the mere mention of them touched a nerve.

The New Yorker

The mere mention of Greg Rayburn, the chief executive of the OTB, elicited boos and hissing.

The New York Times

Mere mention of the T-word can cause eyes to glaze and tepid discussion to ensue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mere mention of" to emphasize the surprising or disproportionate reaction caused by simply mentioning something. It's effective when the act of mentioning alone is significant.

Common error

Avoid using "mere mention of" when a simple 'mention of' suffices. The 'mere' adds emphasis, which isn't always necessary or appropriate. In neutral or factual contexts, a more straightforward phrasing is often clearer and more concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mere mention of" functions as a prepositional phrase often used to introduce a statement about the impact or reaction resulting from simply mentioning something. As evidenced by Ludwig, it emphasizes that the act of mentioning alone is significant.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Reference

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mere mention of" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the effect of a simple reference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it highlights that the act of mentioning something itself is significant, often because it elicits a strong reaction. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase is effective for underscoring sensitivity or importance. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "simple reference to" or "slightest hint of", while being mindful not to overuse the phrase in contexts where a simple "mention of" would suffice. By using "mere mention of" judiciously, you can add emphasis and impact to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple reference to

Focuses on the act of referring briefly.

a passing remark about

Emphasizes the brief and casual nature of the comment.

the slightest hint of

Highlights how little is needed to trigger a reaction.

just a word about

Highlights brevity and simplicity of the reference.

the faintest suggestion of

Similar to 'hint,' indicating something subtle.

the very thought of

Shifts focus to the idea rather than the mention.

a casual allusion to

More formal, highlighting an indirect reference.

the act of citing

Focuses on the formal action of citing something.

bringing up

Casual way of saying to mention.

raising the subject of

Indicates introducing a topic for discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "mere mention of" in a sentence?

Use "mere mention of" to emphasize the impact of a simple reference to something. For example, "The "mere mention of" his name caused an uproar" shows how just mentioning his name created a strong reaction.

What can I say instead of "mere mention of"?

You can use alternatives like "simple reference to", "slightest hint of", or "just a word about" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "mere mention of"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight that the act of mentioning something, no matter how briefly, leads to a noticeable reaction or consequence. It adds emphasis to the impact of the reference itself.

What's the difference between "mention of" and "mere mention of"?

"Mention of" is a neutral way to refer to the act of bringing something up. "Mere mention of" adds emphasis, suggesting the act of mentioning alone is significant or surprising, often because it provokes a reaction.