mere presence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mere presence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something that is physically present or noticeable in a certain situation or location, but doesn't actively participate or contribute to the situation. For example, "The mere presence of the police officers kept everyone in line and prevented the situation from escalating."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His mere presence brings instant credibility.

The New York Times

Still, its mere presence makes one uneasy.

The New Yorker

His mere presence changes games.

The New York Times - Sports

It's mere presence would not increase transparency.

Cornell University

Its mere presence will calm people down.

The Guardian - Opinion

Others will learn from his mere presence.

The Guardian - Sport

By its mere presence there, I.B.M. collaborates with apartheid.

The New York Times

We may deter crime by our mere presence.

The Washington Post

"Your mere presence turns any state into a battleground state".

The New Yorker

Their mere presence has become a source of friction".

The New York Times

The mere presence of rangers helps keep poachers away.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mere presence" to highlight that someone or something has a significant effect simply by being present, without taking any specific action. This is especially effective when the impact is unexpected or disproportionate to the apparent lack of activity.

Common error

Avoid using "mere presence" when the subject's actions, not just their being there, are the primary cause of an outcome. Ensure the impact genuinely stems from their presence alone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mere presence" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject of a sentence. It emphasizes that the simple act of being present is sufficient to cause a particular effect or outcome. As Ludwig suggests, it highlights a situation where just being there makes a difference.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

19%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mere presence" is a versatile and commonly used expression to emphasize the impact of simply being present. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and applicable across various contexts. Its function is to highlight the influence someone or something exerts by just existing in a particular situation, whether it's deterring crime, inspiring others, or altering dynamics. While appropriate for both formal and informal settings, it's crucial to ensure the impact genuinely stems from the presence itself, not from associated actions. Remember to use this phrase when you want to underscore the unexpected or subtle power of simply being there.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple presence

Replaces "mere" with "simple", slightly reducing the emphasis on the unexpectedness of the impact.

sheer existence

Focuses on the fact of existing, rather than being present, and replaces the modifier "mere" with "sheer".

very being

Emphasizes the essential nature of something, using a more poetic or philosophical tone.

plain visibility

Highlights that something or someone can be seen, changing the emphasis to the observable aspect.

sole attendance

Highlights that the thing that matters is simply attending or being at a certain location.

unaccompanied attendance

Highlights that the thing that matters is simply attending or being at a certain location, without anybody else.

basic availability

Emphasizes the accessibility or readiness of something, shifting the focus from physical presence to functional readiness.

unadorned presence

Highlights the lack of embellishment or addition, emphasizing the basic state of being there.

naked existence

Naked existence emphasizes that is pure existence and no more.

fundamental actuality

Uses more formal and abstract language to refer to the state of being real or factual, rather than simply present.

FAQs

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

Use "mere presence" to emphasize that someone or something's being in a particular place or situation is enough to cause an effect. For example, "The "mere presence of security" deterred any unruly behavior."

What are some alternatives to "mere presence"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "simple presence", "sheer existence", or "very being".

Is "mere presence" formal or informal?

"Mere presence" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the overall tone and subject matter than the setting.

What is the difference between "mere presence" and "active participation"?

"Mere presence" implies that the subject's effect comes solely from being present, while "active participation" suggests the subject is directly involved and contributing to the outcome through actions.