merely a beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely a beginning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is just the initial stage of a process or development. Example: "This project is merely a beginning; we have much more work to do before it is complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

For him technique was merely a beginning.

The New York Times - Arts

The current year's growth is merely a beginning, he says.

The Economist

The Americans' release from Iran was not an end to hostility, but merely a beginning.

The Guardian

Jeff Bewkes, chief operating officer of Time Warner, reckons that one-off download deals such as Disney's and NBC's with Apple's iTunes will prove to be merely a beginning.

The Economist

It's merely a beginning.

Huffington Post

But having a portfolio of useful wares is merely a beginning, Linton says.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Mayor Bloomberg's efforts, and ours, should merely be a beginning!

The New York Times

One senior Senate aide, who requested anonymity because the aide was not authorized to speak, said that the bill that would reach President Obama's desk early next year would merely be a beginning.

The New York Times

Wagner and the New German School (including Liszt), in contrast, saw Beethoven's innovations as merely a new beginning in music.

Wikipedia

Writer overhears a woman ask the same question he would ask, "Once they start doing mice, who's to think they're going to stop there?" A new mouse is merely an interesting beginning, a foot in the door.

The New Yorker

However, in every way, it is merely an auspicious beginning.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merely a beginning" to temper expectations when introducing an initial phase of a larger, more complex undertaking. This helps manage perceptions and sets the stage for future developments.

Common error

Avoid using "merely a beginning" when the initial phase is, in fact, substantial or critical on its own. Misusing it can diminish the perceived value of the current accomplishment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely a beginning" functions as a qualifier, often used to downplay the current state of affairs, suggesting that it is only the initial stage of something larger. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is used to introduce a limited or preliminary aspect of a broader process.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "merely a beginning" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something is only the initial stage of a larger process. Ludwig's analysis confirms that this phrase is suitable for use across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While not exceptionally frequent, its consistent application in authoritative sources underscores its validity and appropriate use. To avoid potential errors, ensure that the initial phase is indeed a smaller component of something substantial and that you are not overstating its significance. Alternatives like ""just a start"" or ""only the first step"" offer simpler ways to convey the same meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Just a start

Replaces "merely a beginning" with a simpler, more direct expression.

Only the first step

Emphasizes the sequential nature of the process, highlighting that more steps are to follow.

Simply an initial phase

Uses more formal language to convey the idea of an early stage.

Barely the start

Adds an element of understatement, suggesting the beginning is small or insignificant on its own.

Merely an introductory stage

Uses more formal language to indicate a preliminary phase.

The inception alone

Focuses on the very start of something, emphasizing that it's just the initial point.

The prelude only

Suggests that what's happening is just an introduction to something bigger.

Just the kickoff

Uses informal language to convey that it's only the start of the process, like the beginning of a game.

A tentative beginning

Highlights the experimental or uncertain nature of the start.

The dawn of something

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey the start of a new era or development.

FAQs

How can I use "merely a beginning" in a sentence?

You can use "merely a beginning" to describe something that is only the initial part of a larger process, for example: "This small improvement is "merely a beginning"; more significant changes are planned."

What are some alternatives to "merely a beginning"?

Alternatives include "just a start", "only the first step", or "simply an initial phase", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it correct to say "just a beginning" instead of "merely a beginning"?

Yes, "just a beginning" is a simpler and equally correct alternative that conveys the same meaning.

What does "merely" emphasize in the phrase "merely a beginning"?

The word "merely" emphasizes the limited scope or significance of the current state, implying that what has been achieved is only a small part of what is to come.