merely a method

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely a method" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is simply a technique or approach without any additional significance or complexity. Example: "In this context, the process is merely a method to achieve the desired outcome, not an end in itself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It is merely a method by which we can multiply our personalities".

The New York Times

That test, however, "is merely a method," and it "is not applied in cases where..

Harvard University

Submitting to the grind of tax scholarship wasn't merely a method by which Wallace tried to empathize with the more distractible I.R.S. agents, though.

The New Yorker

With respect to Amgen's second argument, the Court of Appeals determined that Amgen's proffered rebuttal evidence was merely "a method of refuting [the] materiality" of the misrepresentations and omissions alleged in Connecticut Retirement's complaint.

Harvard University

But already in 1789, Salomon Maimon, whose early critiques of Kant helped generate the post-Kantian tradition, had argued that Kant's critical project required a method of genesis and not merely a method of conditioning that would account for the production of knowledge, morality, and indeed reason itself.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The Court pointed out that the Act did not impose a new penalty on the wrongdoer but merely provided a method for depriving him of a privilege 'that was never rightfully his.' Id., 225 U.S. at pages 242—243, 32 S.Ct. at page 617.

Cornell University

Not all social and political philosophers in the Song period blamed the examination system as the root of the problem (but merely as a method of recruitment and selection), emphasizing instead the gentry's failure to take responsibility in society as the cultural elite.

Wikipedia

After Bewick's death, however, wood engraving served merely as a method to reproduce other works of art.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cynics among you will assume this is merely a guaranteed method of drastically improving clear-up rates, but I am happy to be able to report that our target-dominated society has not yet achieved such levels of officially sanctioned madness.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 1996 State Street Bank, after licensing negotiations with Signature broke down, persuaded a federal court in Massachusetts to invalidate the patent on the ground that Signature's invention was merely a "business method".

Forbes

2. Calcoflour White staining for Microsporidia spp. is merely a screening method.

BMC Gastroenterology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merely a method" to downplay the complexity or importance of a process, emphasizing its function as a simple means to an end.

Common error

Avoid using "merely a method" when the process is actually complex, innovative, or crucial to the outcome. Overusing this phrase can diminish the perceived value of the process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely a method" functions as a qualifier, diminishing the importance or complexity of a technique, process, or approach. It indicates that something is simply a means to an end, rather than having inherent value or significance. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "merely a method" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, primarily functioning to downplay the significance or complexity of a process or technique. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and provides examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and academic institutions. It is most frequently found in news media, academic writing, and scientific contexts. When writing, use "merely a method" to indicate something serves as a simple means to an end, but avoid overusing it in situations where the process is actually important or innovative. Alternatives such as "simply a technique" or "just a procedure" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply a technique

Focuses on the simplicity of the approach, emphasizing its lack of complexity.

just a procedure

Highlights the procedural nature of the approach, suggesting it's a standard process.

purely a means

Emphasizes that something is solely a way to achieve a goal, without inherent value.

solely an approach

Similar to "purely a means", but focuses on the angle from which something is tackled.

only a process

Underscores the limited scope of something, indicating it's just one step in a larger operation.

plainly a strategy

Highlights the strategic nature, suggesting a deliberate plan without further implications.

fundamentally a tactic

Focuses on the basic, tactical nature of something.

essentially a pathway

Implies that something is just a route or direction towards a specific outcome.

at its core, a system

Highlights that something, at its fundamental level, works as a system.

in effect, a mechanism

Suggests that something is effectively a tool or device to achieve a specific result.

FAQs

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

You can use "merely a method" to describe something that is simply a way of achieving a particular outcome, rather than an important end in itself. For example, "In this context, the process is "merely a method" to reach the goal".

What are some alternatives to "merely a method"?

Alternatives include "simply a technique", "just a procedure", or "purely a means", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "merely a method"?

Use "merely a method" when you want to emphasize that something is a tool or process without any inherent value beyond its utility in achieving a specific result. It's useful for downplaying the complexity or significance of the process itself.

What's the difference between "merely a method" and "an essential strategy"?

"Merely a method" suggests the process is a simple means to an end, while "an essential strategy" implies the process is critical and integral to achieving success. One downplays, the other emphasizes the importance.