merely even

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely even" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in contexts where you want to emphasize that something is just or only at a certain level or degree, but it may require additional context for clarity. Example: "The results were merely even, showing no significant difference between the two groups."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And his first violent snap, in response to a seeming threat from a big guy on the road, fills him with momentary remorse but gives him a sense that, for the first time, he can not merely even the score but tilt the scales definitively in his favor.

The New Yorker

If you truly loved your child… nay, merely even considered them worth holding on to… I'd recommend this $300 Baby Bjorn high chair designed from the ground up to revolutionize the market for food into infant-mouth insertion activities.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But rather than produce a major partisan imbalance, the money merely evened the playing field in many races.

The New York Times

Referenda may be legislatively binding or merely consultative, but even consultative referenda are likely to be considered legislative mandates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Scholem, a religious but unorthodox Jew, defended tradition in terms that sound not merely unfashionable but even sinister, especially to post-September 11th ears.

The Economist

We catch Hoffman's expression, with the wind howling by, and the madness that grips it is not merely invincible but, even at this altitude, amused.

The New Yorker

Gandhi resigned not merely his leadership but even his membership of Congress in 1934.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But even a merely good Boyle novel should remind readers of the author's longstanding virtuosities.

The New York Times - Books

But today, science and the arts are most often portrayed not merely as separate but even as extreme opposites.

Science Magazine

I've long said that Osborne isn't merely, or even mainly, a deficit hawk.

The New Yorker

Writing is not merely, or even foremost, a matter of self-expression.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "merely even", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being balanced or made equal. Without sufficient context, the phrase can sound incomplete or ambiguous.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "merely even" can come across as stilted or awkward in formal writing. Opt for more concise alternatives like "just equal" or "simply balanced" to improve clarity and flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely even" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by an adjective. It emphasizes that a particular state or condition is only at a certain level, with no suggestion of exceeding that level. The adverb "merely" restricts the scope of the adjective "even". Ludwig's examples show its use in qualifying states of balance or equality.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "merely even" serves to qualify or limit the degree to which something is balanced or equal. While grammatically sound, its usage is relatively rare and can sometimes sound awkward. Ludwig provides examples showing it in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts. When writing, consider whether more common alternatives like "just even" or "simply equal" might offer greater clarity and flow. Ultimately, according to Ludwig AI, while acceptable, the phrase benefits from careful contextualization to avoid ambiguity and ensure the intended meaning is effectively communicated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just even

A more direct and common way to express the idea of something being exactly or only even.

only even

Highlights the exclusivity of the 'even' state, suggesting nothing more.

simply equal

Replaces "merely" with "simply", maintaining the sense of something being just at the point of equality or balance.

no more than even

Explicitly states that the state is limited to being just even, without any excess or advantage.

just balanced

Focuses on the aspect of balance, implying that it's achieved at a minimal level.

barely equal

Emphasizes the narrow margin by which something is equal or balanced.

scarcely even

Similar to "hardly even", suggesting that the even state is achieved by a small margin.

strictly equal

Emphasizes the precision and exactness of the equality.

hardly even

Implies difficulty in reaching an even state or condition.

plainly balanced

Indicates that the state of balance is clear and unremarkable.

FAQs

What does "merely even" mean?

The phrase "merely even" indicates that something is only or just at an equal or balanced level, with no excess or advantage. It suggests a minimal state of equilibrium.

When is it appropriate to use "merely even"?

Use "merely even" when you want to emphasize that a balance or equality is achieved at a minimal level and nothing more. Be sure the context provides clarity on what is being balanced.

What are some alternatives to "merely even"?

You can use alternatives like "just even", "simply equal", or "barely equal" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "merely even" formal or informal?

While not strictly informal, "merely even" can sound somewhat stiff in formal contexts. Consider using more common alternatives like "just equal" for improved readability.