merely a list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely a list" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is simply a collection of items or points without any additional context or elaboration. Example: "The report was not comprehensive; it was merely a list of recommendations without any supporting analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But her memoir is not merely a list of woes.

The New York Times - Books

And is what she describes merely a list of aberrations, or does it amount to a profound and systematic change?

The New York Times - Books

Our annual list of the 50 Smartest Companies includes many of these firms, but it's not merely a list of today's biggest or most profitable players.

MIT Technology Review

I must have played a spoof advertisement for a book club hundreds of times - and it is merely a list of books you will receive "absolutely free if you sign up today".

The Guardian

A new paper attempts to answer the question by tracing the rise of the record amount paid for a work of art at public auction since 1701 and the reasons for this increase.William Goetzmann, Elena Mamonova and Christophe Spaenjers point out that theirs is merely "a" list of records, as opposed to "the" definitive list.

The Economist

Download Your Information spits out merely a list of your friends' names and the dates on which you got connected.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"Country singer" is merely a listing on her extensive musical resume.

Huffington Post

Six years ago he was not merely an A-list movie star with a penchant for drinking and boorish behavior but also a powerful and canonized figure in the political and cultural pantheon of American conservatism.

The New York Times

These public intellectuals, I wrote at the time, "belong not merely on a list of 546 but on any competent grouping one-tenth its size".

The New York Times

Whisper it to those commentators who expressed the opinion that another humdrum night at Wembley had been redeemed by the sheer significance of Rooney's late penalty against Switzerland, but the England captain was merely joining a list of players – 44 at the last count, with Rooney number 44 – to have reached or passed the 50 mark.

The Guardian - Sport

Unlike information retrieval systems (e.g., search engines), START aims to supply users with "just the right information," instead of merely providing a list of hits.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "merely a list", ensure the context clearly indicates that the simplicity or lack of additional information is a notable aspect. It is often used to contrast with something more comprehensive or detailed.

Common error

Avoid using "merely a list" when a more neutral term like "a list" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly critical or dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely a list" functions as a qualifier, often used to diminish the importance or complexity of something presented as a list. As shown by Ludwig, it sets a contrast, suggesting the subject is basic or incomplete. It points to the lack of additional information or analysis.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "merely a list" is a phrase used to indicate that something is a basic compilation of items without significant detail or analysis. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequency across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business. While alternatives like "just a list" and "simply a list" exist, they each carry subtle differences in emphasis. It's crucial to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey when choosing among them. Ultimately, understanding these subtle distinctions will enhance your writing and communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a list

Replaces "merely" with "just", indicating a simple, unadorned list.

simply a list

Uses "simply" instead of "merely", emphasizing the uncomplicated nature of the list.

only a list

Employs "only" to highlight the limited nature of the list.

bare list

Uses "bare" to suggest the list is basic and lacks detail.

basic list

Indicates the list is rudimentary or fundamental.

a collection of items

Replaces "list" with a broader term, focusing on the act of collecting.

a catalog of entries

Suggests a more organized or structured list, similar to a catalog.

enumeration of points

Presents the list as a series of enumerated points, highlighting its structure.

an inventory of items

Implies the list is an exhaustive compilation of items.

a rundown of things

Offers a more informal way of describing a list, suggesting a quick overview.

FAQs

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

You can use "merely a list" to express that something is just a basic compilation of items, lacking detail or analysis. For example, "The document was "merely a list" of names without any contact information."

What are some alternatives to "merely a list"?

Some alternatives include "just a list", "simply a list", or "only a list", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "just a list" is a perfectly acceptable alternative. It conveys a similar meaning, indicating that something is a simple list without additional elements.

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

The word "merely" emphasizes the limited or basic nature of the list. It suggests that there is nothing more than a simple collection of items, implying a lack of depth, detail, or analysis.