merely a report

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely a report" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to downplay the significance of a report, suggesting that it is not more than just a report. Example: "While the findings are interesting, they are merely a report of the initial observations and require further analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Merely a report of a plan to write was considered worthy of note by the F.B.I. record-keepers.

The New Yorker

The assumption, however, that the Doctrines of the Philosophers is not merely a report of the teachings of the falâsifa but rather represents al-Ghazâlî's genuine positions in philosophy is not limited to the Latin tradition.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

There the court of appeal decided that the store detective had merely made a report – but the guard in Seddon's­ case may have overstepped the mark.

The Guardian - Business

Mr. Pearle's smart, fluent drama is not, I am relieved to report, merely a study of the harrowing process by which well-heeled New Yorkers scheme and scramble and implore the gods — and the gatekeepers — to win their children admission to rarefied sanctums with names like Dalton and Calhoun.

The New York Times

The judges' decision merely endorsed a report earlier in the day by a distinguished and independent panel of doctors, who found that Mr Suharto was unfit, both mentally and physically, to stand trial, and that his condition was irreversible.

The Economist

He admitted he had not seen the police log of the incident when he gave a BBC radio interview on 21 November in which he backed the officers involved and had merely seen a report about what the officers had seen.

BBC

The old weight tables were merely a factual report on the weight of an average person of a given height, sex and age.

The New Yorker

It's merely a progress report on the state of semantic search.

TechCrunch

However, this was not a formal scientific evaluation of data but merely a descriptive report of two case studies.

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

This presentation is to be considered merely a preliminary report and in no sense as a finished investigation of the subject.

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research

In such case, direct (synchronous) response to the WS operation call is merely a message reporting the start of computations.

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merely a report" when you want to downplay the significance or completeness of a document or piece of information. It suggests that the item is just a report and nothing more substantial should be expected.

Common error

Avoid using "merely a report" when the document in question is actually quite significant or detailed. Using it inappropriately can undermine the value of the work being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely a report" functions as a modifier to describe the nature or status of a report, emphasizing its limited scope or importance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It serves to qualify the report as nothing more than a basic or initial document.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "merely a report" is used to minimize the importance or comprehensiveness of a report, suggesting it is basic or preliminary. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it appears in both News & Media and Scientific contexts, its frequency is uncommon. When writing, use it to downplay significance, but avoid it if the report is actually substantial. Alternatives include "simply a report" or "just a report".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply a report

Replaces "merely" with "simply", maintaining the basic meaning but with a slightly different emphasis.

just a report

Uses "just" instead of "merely", offering a more common and direct way to express the idea.

only a report

Substitutes "merely" with "only", emphasizing that it's nothing more than a report.

a simple report

Indicates the report is straightforward and uncomplicated.

nothing more than a report

Emphasizes the limited nature of the report more explicitly.

a basic report

Replaces "merely" with "basic", indicating the report is simple and contains only fundamental information.

a preliminary report

Specifies the report as "preliminary", suggesting it is not final or complete.

barely a report

Downplays the significance of the report even further, suggesting it's almost not worthy of being called a report.

a routine report

Suggests the report is standard and ordinary, lacking special importance.

a standard report

Implies the report follows a set format and contains expected information.

FAQs

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

You can use "merely a report" to downplay the significance of something, for example: "The document was "simply a report", lacking in detailed analysis".

What's a good alternative to "merely a report"?

Alternatives include "just a report", "only a report", or "a preliminary report" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "merely a report" formal or informal?

"Merely a report" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in neutral to formal writing where precise language is valued.

When should I avoid using "merely a report"?

Avoid using "merely a report" if the report is actually comprehensive or significant, as it can diminish the perceived value of the work. Use a more accurate description instead.