merely like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely like that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is simply or only in a certain way, often implying a lack of complexity or significance. Example: "He shrugged and said it was merely like that, nothing more to it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

("But isn't a train dispatcher's work merely like that of a clerk?" the District Attorney asked. The answer was yes).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'd merely like to answer that question you posed.

HuffPost

Guthrie, now living in New York, challenged the commercial aesthetic of the pre-rock era through a performance style that was not merely plaintive, like that of countless singing cowboys in the movies, but almost combatively anti-musical.

The New Yorker

Neuromarketing may also be able to suss out the distinction between advertisements that people merely like and those that are actually effective -- a difference that can be hard to detect from a focus group.

The New York Times - Magazine

You might find a few products that everyone merely likes, and you actually now need to avoid those.

Forbes

IGN contributor Robert Canning gave the episode a 7.4 out of 10 rating, writing that he "merely" liked the episode.

Wikipedia

But it is the one song I know for sure has stamped itself on my mind in a way that goes beyond merely liking the melody or a clever lyric.

The Guardian - Music

You don't merely shrug off a change like that.

The Guardian

When I pointed out that the NSA revelations (something that, following the Sovereigns' thinking, the Rothschilds would presumably want to keep secret) were published and reported by established press, I was reminded that stories like that are merely "controlled distractions".

Vice

We were trying to understand, that is, whether we were in a preapocalyptic situation, like the European Jews in the '30s or the last citizens of Pompeii, or whether our situation was merely near-apocalyptic, like that of the cold war inhabitants of New York, London, Washington and, for that matter, Moscow". It doesn't matter.

The New York Times - Books

We were trying to understand, that is, whether we were in a preapocalyptic situation, like the European Jews in the thirties or the last citizens of Pompeii, or whether our situation was merely near-apocalyptic, like that of the Cold War inhabitants of New York, London, Washington.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merely like that" to downplay complexity or significance, indicating a simple resemblance or a situation that is 'just that' and nothing more.

Common error

Avoid using "merely like that" when the situation warrants more attention or complexity. If the matter at hand is crucial, use a phrase that reflects its true importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely like that" functions as an adverbial phrase used to qualify a comparison or description. It serves to diminish the significance or complexity of something, suggesting it is simply or only as described. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "merely like that" is a grammatically sound expression used to suggest a lack of complexity or significance in a comparison. As indicated by Ludwig, it is considered correct and usable in written English. While its frequency is relatively rare, its primary usage is observed in news and media contexts. Alternative phrases such as "simply like that" or "just like that" can be used to convey a similar meaning. This phrase is most effective when aiming to downplay a situation, but one should avoid using it when the context requires a more nuanced or emphatic expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply like that

Replaces "merely" with "simply" for a slightly more direct emphasis on the straightforward nature of the comparison.

just like that

Emphasizes the ease or suddenness with which something occurs, similar to the original phrase's implication.

only like that

Highlights the limited extent of the comparison, focusing on the 'only' aspect of the resemblance.

purely like that

Stresses the unmixed or unadulterated nature of the similarity.

solely like that

Indicates that the similarity is exclusive and not accompanied by other factors.

plainly like that

Suggests the similarity is evident and easily perceived.

basically like that

Highlights the fundamental similarity, reducing the comparison to its essential elements.

essentially like that

Focuses on the core, underlying similarity between the items being compared.

ostensibly like that

Implies that the similarity is superficial or based on appearance rather than substance.

seemingly like that

Conveys that the similarity is based on initial impression, potentially misleading.

FAQs

What does "merely like that" mean?

The phrase "merely like that" means simply or only in a certain way, suggesting a lack of complexity or importance. It indicates that something is just as described and nothing more.

How can I use "merely like that" in a sentence?

You can use "merely like that" to downplay a situation or comparison. For example: "He shrugged and said it was "just like that", nothing more to it."

What are some alternatives to "merely like that"?

Alternatives include "simply like that", "just like that", or "only like that". These phrases convey a similar sense of simplicity or limited extent.

Is "merely like that" formal or informal?

The phrase "merely like that" is generally considered neutral in formality. Its appropriateness depends on the context, but it is typically suitable for both informal and semi-formal situations.