merely address

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely address" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something is only about addressing a particular issue or topic without going into further detail. Example: "The report will merely address the surface issues without delving into the underlying causes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

If they're right, public-health initiatives that merely address the affected individuals are doomed to failure.

The New York Times - Magazine

Net neutrality is difficult to define and enforce, and efforts to do so merely address the symptom (concern about discrimination) rather than the underlying cause (lack of competition).

The Economist

The assumption of strictly concave utilities in conventional works makes the NUM to merely address the elastic traffic which is from nonreal-time applications.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Because the timing of these events is difficult to predict, teams often "kick the can down the road" and merely address it if and when the situation arises.

TechCrunch

Is Jon attempting to merely address the symptoms of his problem rather than the problem itself?

Huffington Post

Chicago-based MC Mick Jenkins has collaborated with Supa BWE (of the trio Hurt Everybody) on a significant track that does not merely address issues of race and privilege in America - there is no reading between the lines here, no twisting of words - "Treat me (Caucasian)" is like a punch in the gut and leaves a lingering effect on the mind.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Even then, merely addressing the existing blight understates the problem because blight creates more blight.

The Guardian

So when Naomi Wolf urges women to change their vocal patterns to regain their strength, she merely addresses a symptom.

The Guardian - Opinion

With such transparents as The Couple (1928 29), Lipchitz attempted to express emotion instead of merely addressing formal concerns, as he had in his earlier works.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But "many of Microsoft's comments go beyond merely addressing the proposed form" and "make arguments about the merits that Microsoft has previously raised and that plaintiffs have addressed in their prior filings," the brief states.

The New York Times

The government regards the appeals court ruling as the basis for forward-looking remedies, not merely addressing the specific infractions in the suit, which are a matter of history in the fast-changing software industry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merely address" when you want to convey that an action or discussion is limited in scope and doesn't delve into the underlying complexities of a topic. For instance, "The policy changes "merely address" the symptoms of the problem, not the root cause".

Common error

Avoid using "merely address" when the action taken is actually comprehensive or significant. Misusing it can downplay the importance of the effort and mislead your audience. It's best to choose a more descriptive or assertive phrase if the action is substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely address" functions as a qualifier followed by a verb, indicating that an action is being performed, but in a limited or superficial manner. It suggests that the action only deals with certain aspects and doesn't fully resolve an issue. As Ludwig AI says, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "merely address" is grammatically sound and serves to indicate a limited or superficial handling of a topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in written English. Occurring most frequently in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, it carries a neutral tone and is suitable for formal communication. When using this phrase, consider its implications – it suggests that the action taken is incomplete and doesn't delve into the underlying complexities. Alternative phrases like "simply address" or "only address" can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply address

Replaces "merely" with "simply", suggesting a basic or straightforward approach.

only address

Substitutes "merely" with "only", emphasizing the exclusivity of the focus.

just address

Uses "just" instead of "merely", indicating a minimal or cursory handling.

superficially address

Adds "superficially" to highlight the lack of depth in addressing the issue.

tangentially address

Specifies that the addressing is indirect or not directly related.

lightly touch upon

Replaces "merely address" with a phrase that implies a brief or cursory mention.

briefly cover

Indicates a short and concise treatment of the topic.

mention in passing

Suggests a casual and not particularly detailed reference.

scratch the surface of

Implies a very shallow engagement with the subject matter.

pay lip service to

Indicates that the addressing is insincere or without real action.

FAQs

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

You can use "merely address" to indicate that an action or discussion is limited in scope and doesn't fully resolve an issue. For example, "The new regulations "merely address" the symptoms of the problem, not the underlying causes".

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

Alternatives to "merely address" include phrases like "simply address", "only address", or "just address". These alternatives convey a similar sense of limited scope.

Is it correct to say "simply address" instead of "merely address"?

Yes, "simply address" is a valid alternative to "merely address". Both phrases indicate that the action is basic and straightforward, without delving into deeper complexities. The choice between them often depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "merely address" and "comprehensively address"?

"Merely address" implies a limited or superficial treatment of a subject, while "comprehensively address" suggests a thorough and complete examination and solution. They are essentially opposites in terms of the depth and scope of the action taken.