merely

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'merely' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is only small or slight in comparison to what is expected. Example sentence: His contribution to the project was merely minimal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After all, Johnson was surrounded by Kennedy's advisers and always insisted he was merely continuing Kennedy policy.

The Guardian

Thompson's recent comments to that effect which have done so much to inflame political opinion were merely reflecting that view.

The Guardian - Opinion

Were the system Fifa is proposing to restrict itself merely to offside decisions, or questions of whether a foul took place in or outside the area, it might be quite useful, although one suspects it would soon enough encompass other areas of the game.

The Guardian - Sport

It's counterproductive for Wong to insist that it isn't enough for conservative women to merely support the principles of gender equality.

The Guardian - Opinion

These acts are not merely compatible with liberalism – they are a necessary condition for any society that is free in its culture as well as in its laws and institutions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Or perhaps they have merely accepted there is no real way to respond to it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There are plenty of other stories of that nature and, if nothing else, at least the revulsion of Blackpool's fans is not merely restricted to the Fylde coast.

The Guardian - Sport

This is not to judge disadvantaged students by a different standard; but by the same standard, just through intelligent use of data to drive lower offers rather than merely "flagging" a candidate for closer assessment.

The Guardian

Rather disappointingly he chose to be the bigger man and merely cantered past his rival without so much as a sideways look.

The Guardian - Sport

That they should miss two glorious opportunities to take a potentially decisive advantage seemed merely to underline the ­certainty of their looming ordeal.

The Guardian - Sport

Further ahead, economists warn that a €7.2bn package would merely buy some time for Athens but by no means guarantee Greece could remain in the eurozone – something polls suggest most Greeks want.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merely" to downplay the significance of something or to emphasize that something is only a small part of a larger issue. For example: "The cost is merely a fraction of the total budget."

Common error

Avoid starting sentences with "merely", especially in formal writing, as it can sound dismissive or condescending. Instead, integrate it smoothly within the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "merely" functions as a modifier, limiting or diminishing the significance of the word or phrase it accompanies. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and serves to indicate that something is 'nothing more than' or 'simply' the case. For example, "He was merely an observer."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "merely" is a versatile adverb used to limit or downplay the significance of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and very commonly used, particularly in news and media. While it can effectively clarify the scope of a statement, be mindful of its potential to sound dismissive, especially in formal contexts. Alternatives such as "simply", "only", and "just" can offer subtle variations in emphasis. By understanding its nuances, you can use "merely" effectively to add precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply

Focuses on the straightforward or uncomplicated nature of something.

only

Emphasizes exclusivity; nothing else is involved.

just

Indicates a small degree or amount; also suggests fairness or appropriateness.

purely

Highlights the unmixed or unadulterated nature of something.

solely

Stresses that something is the single, exclusive factor.

barely

Implies a minimal or insufficient amount.

scarcely

Similar to 'barely' but may also indicate rarity.

exclusively

Indicates something is restricted to a particular person, group, or area.

nothing more than

Emphasizes the limited or insignificant nature of something.

at most

Sets an upper limit, suggesting that the actual amount is likely to be less.

FAQs

How can I use "merely" in a sentence?

"Merely" can be used to indicate that something is nothing more than what is stated. For example, "He "merely glanced" at the newspaper before setting it aside."

What are some alternatives to the word "merely"?

Some alternatives to "merely" include "simply", "only", "just", and "purely". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "merely" in writing?

While "merely" is grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound dismissive or condescending. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing to ensure it is appropriate.

What is the difference between "merely" and "barely"?

"Merely" indicates that something is nothing more than what is stated, while "barely" suggests that something is achieved with difficulty or is only just sufficient. For example, "He merely nodded" suggests a minimal response, while "He barely nodded" suggests he almost didn't nod at all.