merely available

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely available" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is only present or accessible without any additional significance or value. Example: "The information is merely available online, but it lacks depth and detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The Nazis, for him, are merely available movie tropes articulate monsters with a talent for sadism.

The New Yorker

The Nazis, for him, are merely available movie tropes — articulate monsters with a talent for sadism.

The New Yorker

Mergers are more likely to work when a company chooses a partner that fits well, rather than one that is merely available.Instead, look for similarities.

The Economist

However, it isn't mandatory for entrepreneurs to use Sesame Street characters; they are merely available as an additional resource.

TechCrunch

Who I am depends on what I make of my "properties"; they matter to me in a way that is impossible for merely available and occurrent entities.

SEP

And knowing the difficulties of finding two academic jobs in the same city at the same time, I chose to investigate other science-related fields--tech transfer, industrial research, commercial science, patent law--some of which genuinely interested me, but some of which were merely available.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I'm waiting for a Palestinian leader to say that blowing up men, women and children on buses and in pizza parlors is morally indefensible, not merely ineffective at present but available to be used again if the practicalities change.

The New York Times

But Ms. Jarrett's White House defenders say that the criticism is fundamentally misplaced and that she is merely an available target for the financial community's anger over administration policies it dislikes.

The New York Times

Instead, the company's curatorial imperative, as usual, is merely "make it available".

The New York Times - Magazine

But merely making information available isn't enough: you have to confront people with it.

The New Yorker

The Scots argue that they are merely using their available resources more effectively, but the English complain that the Scots are abusing British largess.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "merely available", ensure that the context clearly contrasts the basic accessibility with some higher quality or significance that is lacking. For instance, "The data was merely available, but lacked proper analysis".

Common error

Avoid using "merely available" when you intend to convey ease of access or convenience. The phrase emphasizes a lack of something more than just accessibility, which might not be your intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely available" functions as a descriptive modifier. The adverb "merely" modifies the adjective "available", limiting or diminishing its impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates basic accessibility without implying high quality or importance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "merely available" is a phrase used to express that something is accessible, but lacks additional qualities or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, as it often serves to highlight limitations or deficiencies. When using this phrase, ensure that your writing clearly contrasts the basic accessibility with what is lacking, avoiding misinterpretations of emphasis. Alternatives such as "simply accessible" or "just accessible" can be considered based on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply accessible

Replaces "merely" with "simply", suggesting basic availability without added features.

just accessible

Using "just" instead of "merely" emphasizes that there is only availability, nothing more.

only obtainable

Changes "available" to "obtainable", focusing on the act of acquiring something.

purely accessible

Substitutes "merely" with "purely", stressing the unmixed or exclusive state of being accessible.

plainly available

Uses "plainly" to mean easily seen or understood to be available, emphasizing clarity.

readily accessible

Changes "merely" to "readily", indicating ease and quickness of access.

nominally available

Implies availability in name only, possibly lacking practical usability.

theoretically available

Suggests availability in theory, but perhaps not in practice.

ostensibly available

Indicates availability as it appears or is stated, possibly concealing a different reality.

technically accessible

Highlights that something can be accessed through technical means, with no implication of ease.

FAQs

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

Use "merely available" to indicate that something is accessible or present, but lacks significant additional qualities or value. For example: "The information was "merely available", lacking depth and analysis."

What are some alternatives to saying "merely available"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "simply accessible", "just accessible", or "only obtainable".

Is it correct to say "only available" instead of "merely available"?

Yes, "only available" is grammatically correct and often interchangeable with "merely available". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey; "merely" emphasizes a lack of something more, while "only" simply states the limited state.

What is the difference between "readily available" and "merely available"?

"Readily available" implies ease and quickness of access, while "merely available" stresses that something is accessible but lacks additional qualities or significance. One focuses on convenience, the other on deficiency.