merely asking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely asking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize that your inquiry is simple or straightforward, without any additional implications. Example: "I am merely asking if you have completed the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gina forbids merely asking for genetic information.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now, he is no longer merely asking.

The New York Times

"We're merely asking for a ramp," said Mr. Caliando, the architect.

The New York Times

It was suggested by her mother that merely asking the question was making unfair assumptions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Merely asking the nominee whether he could do the job would not be useful.

The New York Times

I'm merely asking – what credentials have Michael Gove or Stephen Twigg to run an education system?

The Guardian

He was merely asking, Vorst said, but had Eriksson really thought through what he was doing in pushing his charges?

The New Yorker

In one sense, Obama has the stronger hand: he's merely asking that Congress pay America's bills and its debts.

The New Yorker

But perhaps merely asking is a way of drawing attention to the fact that they are sitting ducks.

The Guardian - Opinion

I tell him I was merely asking if there were any representations of gayness that struck a chord.

The Guardian - Film

The Icelandic government disputed that, saying it was merely asking for time to make good on its obligations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merely asking" when you want to downplay the significance of your inquiry or emphasize its simplicity. This can be useful in sensitive situations or when you want to avoid appearing demanding.

Common error

Avoid overusing "merely asking", especially when the context suggests a more assertive or direct approach is required. Overuse can make you sound passive or hesitant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely asking" functions as an adverbial modifier combined with a verb, softening the action of asking. It diminishes the perceived imposition of the inquiry, suggesting a lack of underlying motives. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "merely asking" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to soften inquiries and downplay their significance. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage, especially in News & Media. When employing it, be mindful of the context and avoid overuse to ensure your communication remains effective. Consider alternatives such as "simply asking" or "just asking" for nuanced expression. As shown by Ludwig, mastering this expression involves striking a balance between politeness and directness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply asking

Replaces "merely" with "simply", conveying a similar sense of straightforwardness.

just asking

Uses "just" to indicate that the inquiry is without any hidden agenda.

only asking

Emphasizes that the action is limited to asking, without any further implications.

basically asking

Indicates that the essence of the action is the act of asking.

essentially asking

Highlights the fundamental nature of the inquiry as simply a question.

plainly asking

Suggests the inquiry is direct and without any attempt to conceal the intention.

directly asking

Highlights the straightforwardness of the inquiry.

in essence, asking

Emphasizes that at its core, the action is a question.

at its simplest, asking

Focuses on reducing the action to its most basic form of inquiry.

for all intents and purposes, asking

States that the action, in effect, is a form of asking.

FAQs

What does "merely asking" mean?

The phrase "merely asking" means simply or only asking, without any hidden agenda or further implications. It emphasizes that the action is just a question.

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

You can use "merely asking" to soften a request or inquiry. For example, "I'm "merely asking" for clarification, not criticizing your work."

What are some alternatives to "merely asking"?

Alternatives include "simply asking", "just asking", or "only asking". These phrases all convey a similar sense of straightforwardness and lack of ulterior motive.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "merely asking"?

It can be inappropriate if the context requires a more direct or assertive approach. Overusing "merely asking" can make you sound hesitant or insincere.