merely contains

USAGE SUMMARY

"merely contains" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that something includes only what is specified, without any additional elements or significance. For example, "The report merely contains the data collected over the last year." Alternative expressions include "only includes" and "simply holds."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But the much weaker claim that a product merely "contains high levels of antioxidants" leaves health claims implicit, and keeps regulators at bay.

The Guardian - Opinion

Progressives see prison as a stop-gap measure: a bandage that merely contains, but does not relieve an issue, one that perpetuates further cruelties in the process.

The Guardian - Opinion

The vague language of the bill may force anonymous bloggers to reveal their names and physical addresses, even in cases where the website merely contains links to the websites or files of third parties.

Harvard University

This general waiver does not extend to a product or device which merely contains a microprocessor or microcomputer and is not used solely for the purpose of processing or storing data.

Cornell University

The Authors Guild brief, far from arguing about evidence in the record, merely contains arguments about what the trade groups think their members feel, with no reference to any sworn affidavits or statements of authors.

Stanford University

NOTE: A Complaint merely contains allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Merely containing it long enough to heat was a challenge.

The New Yorker

Human evil must be confronted, he said, not merely contained.

The New York Times

It said it merely contained routine "slops" – the dirty water from tank washing.

The Guardian

No one is talking of victory over Isis; most speak of merely containing it.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the nineteen-eighties, the neoconservatives believed that the Soviet Union could be defeated, not merely contained.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "merely contains", ensure that the context clearly indicates the limited nature of the contents. This helps to avoid ambiguity and emphasizes the simplicity or restrictiveness of what is being included.

Common error

Avoid using "merely contains" when the item in question possesses additional implicit qualities or features beyond what is explicitly mentioned. This can undermine the intended meaning and create a misleading impression of simplicity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely contains" functions as a verb phrase indicating a limited form of inclusion or containment. It highlights that something includes only what is specified, without additional components or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "merely contains" is a verb phrase used to indicate limited inclusion, emphasizing that the subject includes only what is explicitly stated, without additional features. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. Its usage is most common in scientific and news-related contexts, with a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the context underscores the limited nature of the contents to avoid misinterpretation. Consider alternatives like "simply includes" or "only encompasses" for nuanced expression. Understanding the purpose of the phrase will improve your writing and clearly express your intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply includes

This alternative emphasizes the straightforward nature of the inclusion, suggesting a lack of complexity.

only encompasses

Highlights the restrictive nature of the inclusion, implying that nothing else is present.

just incorporates

Indicates a basic level of integration without significant modification or enhancement.

solely consists of

Focuses on the exclusivity of the components included, limiting the scope.

exclusively holds

Stresses the unique possession of the specified element, excluding others.

primarily comprises

Suggests that the main component is what is mentioned, although there might be traces of other elements.

essentially embodies

Focuses on the core characteristic, signifying that the subject largely represents what's mentioned.

largely features

Highlights the prominent presence of the specified attribute, making it a notable aspect.

mainly embodies

Indicates the characteristic represents the most significant aspect of the subject, but not necessarily the only one.

fundamentally involves

Implies an underlying component, suggesting the basic elements required for the existence of the subject.

FAQs

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

Use "merely contains" to express that something includes only what is specified, without additional elements or complexity. For example: "The report merely contains the data collected over the last year".

What are some alternatives to "merely contains"?

You can use alternatives like "simply includes", "only encompasses", or "just incorporates" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "merely contains" is suitable for formal writing, as it clearly and precisely indicates the limited nature of the contents. Its use is grammatically correct and widely understood across various registers.

How does "merely contains" differ from "includes"?

"Merely contains" emphasizes the limited nature of the inclusion, suggesting that there are no other significant components. In contrast, "includes" simply indicates that something is part of the whole, without necessarily implying that it's the only part.