merely comprises

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely comprises" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something consists of or is made up of certain elements, often implying that it is limited to those elements. Example: "The committee merely comprises three members, which limits its ability to make decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The result shows that CA value of PS surface merely comprised of bead-on-string fibers could reach up to 154.65°.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science

But such a world of mystery doesn't merely comprise images of simpler times, and a more perfect world.

Vice

But the lesson which emerges in the midst of complexity is that leadership does not merely comprise the influential acts of university leaders.

Huffington Post

They merely comprise the best-fitting attributes, called prototypes.

BMJ Open

Interestingly, the original evidence supporting the validity of the ICBM merely comprised a content review by experts [ 13].

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Initially, autophagy has been regarded as a predominantly unspecific and random process, merely comprising the bulk degradation of cytoplasm.

Cell Communication and Signaling

On the other hand, these SNPs could also enhance the binding affinity of miRNA target interactions, but these interactions merely comprised ∼25% of the total interactions.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

Although some general patterns can be observed, the overlap between both datasets comprises merely 9%.

Biology Direct

However, mental health is not merely the absence of disorders but also comprises well-being [ 1].

BMC Public Health

Kroc understood that taste comprises not merely the food on our plate but also the associations and assumptions and prejudices we bring to the table — that half the battle in making kids happy with their meal was calling what they were eating a Happy Meal.

The New Yorker

Whilst my maybe underwhelming celebration comprised merely a free cuppa soup from event organisers, I realised that the glory was not in the finishing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merely comprises" to clearly indicate that something is composed of only specific elements, leaving no room for additional or implied components. This ensures precision and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "merely comprises" when the subject actually includes other unstated elements. Using the phrase inaccurately can mislead readers about the true composition or extent of what you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely comprises" functions as a qualifying verb phrase. It indicates the composition of something while emphasizing the limited or exclusive nature of its components. The word "merely" adds a sense of restriction or limitation to what is included.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "merely comprises" is used to denote that something is made up of exclusively certain components, emphasizing a restrictive composition. It is grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts. The phrase's purpose is to specify and limit what constitutes a subject. While Ludwig does not provide exact examples, the sources suggest that the phrase appears in science, news, and business writing, maintaining a neutral to formal register. While this expression is not very frequent, it serves a valuable function in ensuring precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is merely made up of

Similar to the original phrase, but uses a more explicit structure to convey the same limiting composition.

solely consists of

Emphasizes that something is exclusively made up of certain elements, highlighting the absence of other components.

only includes

Focuses on the limited inclusion of specific items or aspects, suggesting a narrow scope.

is exclusively composed of

Stresses the unique and complete composition of something from particular constituents.

is limited to

Highlights a restriction or constraint, indicating that something does not extend beyond certain boundaries.

is restricted to

Similar to 'is limited to', this emphasizes the confinement within specific parameters or elements.

primarily encompasses

Indicates that something mainly includes certain aspects, but may also have some minor additional elements.

mainly consists of

Suggests that something is chiefly composed of particular elements, implying that other components may be present but are less significant.

essentially comprises

Highlights the fundamental or core elements that make up something, focusing on the most important aspects.

simply contains

Conveys that something includes certain items in a straightforward and uncomplicated manner, often implying that there is nothing more to it.

FAQs

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

Use "merely comprises" to indicate that something consists only of specific elements. For example, "The exhibit merely comprises photographs and written descriptions."

What are some alternatives to "merely comprises"?

You can use alternatives like "solely consists of", "only includes", or "is exclusively composed of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "merely comprises" in formal writing?

Yes, "merely comprises" is suitable for formal writing when you need to precisely convey that something consists only of specific elements, without any additions or exceptions.

What is the nuance of using "merely comprises" compared to "comprises"?

"Comprises" simply means 'consists of'. Adding "merely" emphasizes that the composition is limited to those specific elements, implying that there is nothing more.