merely according to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely according to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is based solely on a specific source or perspective, often implying a limitation or lack of depth. Example: "The results of the study are merely according to the data collected from a small sample size."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It estimates original signal merely according to the neighborhood of the signal.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

However, the way of estimating crystal phase merely according to the statistics of coordination number is not be very reliable.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Common sense judges virtuous practice according to what is fit and natural, and not merely according to the good the practice produces.

SEP

Finally, the details of Aristotle's discussion in the Categories, especially in chapter 7, give rise to a number of important medieval debates, as well as the traditional distinction between relations merely according to speech (relationes secundum dici) vs. relations according to being (relationes secundum esse).

SEP

As we shall see, this approach to characterizing relations helps to shape the way medieval philosophers understand them, and gives rise to the common medieval distinction between relations merely according to speech (relationes secundum dici) and relations according to nature or being (relationes secundum esse).

SEP

Barbary falcons have a red neck patch but otherwise differ in appearance from the peregrine proper merely according to Gloger's Rule, relating pigmentation to environmental humidity.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Mr. Abbas said today that he would accept the post of prime minister only if it was not merely symbolic, according to Reuters.

The New York Times

Kowalski feels this example is faulty in the sense that the ball has no free will; it merely acts according to the laws of physics, but he acknowledges that if an individual were to have freely chosen to commit murder, then it would hold.

Wikipedia

The United States and much of Europe, by contrast, are likely to remain merely stable, according to HSBC's projections.

The New York Times

As for Reinecke, he then merely decided according to his ideas, which were contrary to those held by me and my office.

Yale University

"He said, 'Martin is dead.' " Ms. Campbell's family initially was told that she was merely injured, according to her grandmother Lillian Campbell.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "merely according to", ensure the limitation or potential bias of the information source is clear to the reader. This prevents misinterpretations and promotes transparency.

Common error

Avoid using "merely according to" when the source provides a comprehensive or definitive account. This phrase should be reserved for instances where the information is intentionally limited or potentially incomplete.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely according to" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a statement or claim. It serves to qualify or limit the scope of the statement by indicating that it is based solely on the information or perspective provided by a particular source. As Ludwig highlights, this implies a certain level of restriction or potential bias.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "merely according to" is a prepositional phrase used to qualify a statement, indicating that it is based solely on a particular source. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its function is to attribute information while subtly suggesting limitations or potential biases. It is most commonly found in scientific contexts, news media, and academic writing, reflecting a neutral register. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the reader is aware of the limited scope and consider alternative perspectives. Remember to use it when the source provides a limited or potentially incomplete account.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only according to

Emphasizes exclusivity in the source of information.

solely according to

Highlights that something is based entirely on a single source.

purely according to

Focuses on the unmixed and absolute reliance on a specific account.

simply according to

Suggests a straightforward and uncomplicated reliance on information.

just according to

Implies a basic or minimal adherence to a given version or detail.

exclusively according to

Stresses that the information comes from one and only one source.

strictly according to

Highlights a rigid or precise adherence to rules or guidelines.

primarily according to

Indicates that the information is mainly, but not necessarily exclusively, based on a specific source.

mainly according to

Suggests the most important or largest part is based on a given source.

basically according to

Implies a fundamental or essential reliance on a specific account.

FAQs

How can I use "merely according to" in a sentence?

Use "merely according to" to indicate that a piece of information or an assessment is based solely on a particular source or perspective, often implying a limitation. For example: "The success of the project, "merely according to" the project manager, was due to the team's dedication".

What are some alternatives to "merely according to"?

You can use alternatives such as "only according to", "solely according to", or "simply according to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "merely according to"?

It is appropriate to use "merely according to" when you want to emphasize that a statement or conclusion is limited to a specific viewpoint or source, and that there might be other perspectives or information to consider.

What does "merely according to" imply about the information being presented?

Using "merely according to" implies that the information might be incomplete, biased, or not fully representative of the overall situation. It signals that the perspective is restricted to the source being cited.