merely doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely doing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action is being performed without any additional significance or complexity. Example: "He is merely doing what he was told, without questioning the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Maybe others are merely doing what he cannot.

The New York Times - Arts

Medicare officials say they are merely doing their jobs better.

The New York Times

It is merely doing enough for the economy to survive, not thrive.

The New York Times

For many of them, she was merely doing what the higher-born have always done.

The Economist

Throughout the book, he gives the impression that the studios were merely doing the Nazis' bidding.

The New Yorker

She does not say they are harassing her, but merely doing what they do.

The New York Times - Sports

Ed Pachetti, a spokesman for NY1 News, said the station was merely doing its job.

The New York Times

The portrait app is merely doing what it has been programmed to do.

The Guardian - Arts

When they succeed, they're merely doing what they should have thanks to their God-given talent.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He merely does the obvious to win.

The Guardian - Opinion

You merely don't like it.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing persuasive copy and if you want to diminish the importance of a task, using "merely doing" will help you express that it is not such a difficult thing to do.

Common error

Avoid using "merely doing" when the action has significant consequences or requires substantial effort. Doing so can undermine the intended message and appear dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely doing" functions as a qualifier in sentences. It modifies a verb to indicate that an action is performed without any additional significance, complexity, or effort. As supported by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "merely doing" is a versatile phrase used to diminish the significance of an action. It is grammatically correct and common across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely acceptable and useful for highlighting the simplicity or lack of importance of a task. When writing, use "merely doing" to manage expectations or to contrast a routine action with a more significant one, and be careful to avoid overstating the impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply performing

Replaces "doing" with "performing", suggesting a slightly more formal or deliberate action.

just carrying out

Emphasizes the act of executing a task or instruction without personal input.

only executing

Highlights the limited scope of the action, focusing on the execution aspect.

purely enacting

Implies that the action is performed exactly as prescribed, without deviation.

solely undertaking

Stresses that no other action or purpose is involved besides the one specified.

strictly fulfilling

Highlights adherence to requirements or obligations, underlining a sense of duty.

passively engaging in

Suggests involvement in an activity without active participation or initiative.

routinely handling

Indicates that the task is a normal part of one's duties and is performed regularly.

nominally achieving

Implies that the task is completed to a basic or minimal standard.

ostensibly managing

Suggests that the action appears to be a certain way but might not be entirely genuine.

FAQs

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

You can use "merely doing" to describe an action that is simple, routine, or lacks additional significance. For example, "The employee was "merely doing" as instructed, without making independent decisions."

What phrases are similar to "merely doing"?

Alternatives include "simply performing", "just carrying out", or "only executing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "merely doing" is appropriate in formal writing when you want to downplay an action's importance or complexity. However, ensure that it fits the tone and context of your writing. In general, stick to sources like BBC, Forbes, The Guardian, The New York Times, etc.

What's the difference between "merely doing" and "simply doing"?

While both phrases suggest that an action is straightforward, "merely doing" often carries a stronger implication that the action is basic or even inadequate, whereas "simply doing" might just emphasize ease or directness.