merely mentioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely mentioning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something is being referenced or brought up without going into detail or depth. Example: "In his speech, he was merely mentioning the importance of teamwork without providing specific examples."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Merely mentioning it, he erupts into disdainful giggles.

The New Yorker

Merely mentioning the figure frustrated him, since he said his study has been widely misquoted.

The New York Times

Merely mentioning the existence of such restrictions can land you in trouble.

The Guardian - Opinion

(Merely mentioning the new palatial headquarters of the Metropolitan Transit Authority downtown incites fury in the Valley).

The Economist

Merely mentioning his father's name caused the 28-year-old to grin and then caused his eyes to moisten.

The New York Times - Sports

The company uses artificial intelligence techniques to try to distinguish between someone expressing true affection for a book as opposed to merely mentioning it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

In his memo, Mr. Burke merely mentioned Ms. Zalaznick's leaving and praised her contributions.

The New York Times

I merely mentioned that if he were in Yonkers—" "But he's not in Yonkers".

The New Yorker

Moreover, Mr. Hastings merely mentions the fact of the rich rewards for corporate failure.

The New York Times

She is merely mentioned in "The Tempest" but here becomes a star turn created for Ms. DiDonato.

The New York Times - Arts

As with many indictments, one must distinguish the crimes the prosecutors merely mention from those they really care about.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merely mentioning" when you want to downplay the significance or depth of a reference, suggesting it was a casual or brief inclusion rather than a detailed discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "merely mentioning" when the reference is actually crucial to the context. This phrase can diminish the perceived importance of key information if misused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely mentioning" functions as a verb phrase, typically part of a larger clause. According to Ludwig's analysis, it indicates a brief or casual reference to something, rather than a detailed discussion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "merely mentioning" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a brief or casual reference, often to downplay the importance of the item being mentioned. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific writing. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the context aligns with the intention of de-emphasizing the reference, avoiding overuse where a more detailed discussion is warranted. Understanding its implications and nuances is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply mentioning

Emphasizes the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the mention.

just mentioning

Highlights the casual and possibly insignificant nature of the mention.

briefly alluding to

Suggests a concise and indirect reference.

casually referencing

Implies a relaxed and informal way of bringing something up.

tangentially noting

Indicates a mention that is only peripherally related to the main topic.

incidentally remarking

Suggests the mention was unplanned and perhaps not very important.

lightly touching upon

Emphasizes the superficial nature of the reference.

passingly observing

Indicates a quick and somewhat fleeting mention.

superficially addressing

Highlights a lack of depth in the mention.

cursorily citing

Suggests a quick and not very detailed citation.

FAQs

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

You can use "merely mentioning" to indicate a brief or casual reference to something, as in "He was "merely mentioning" the issue, not dwelling on it".

What are some alternatives to "merely mentioning"?

Some alternatives include "simply mentioning", "just mentioning", or "briefly alluding to", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "merely mentioning" is appropriate in formal writing when you want to downplay the depth or importance of a reference. However, consider whether a more precise term might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "merely mentioning" and "thoroughly discussing"?

"Merely mentioning" suggests a brief and superficial reference, while "thoroughly discussing" implies a detailed and comprehensive analysis. The choice depends on the level of detail you wish to convey.