merely one among

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely one among" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is just one of several items or options, often implying that it is not particularly special or significant. Example: "This painting is merely one among many that showcase the artist's diverse style."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

In this context, the fracturing of the United Kingdom of which Brown spoke so eloquently is merely one among many issues on which Miliband's failures of leadership must take some of the responsibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

That meal was merely one among many that delighted us.

The New York Times

It removed consciousness from the dominant center of the brain to merely one among many mental constellations.

The New York Times - Health

Though Virgin is merely one among many record labels owned by either Warner Music or EMI, it is a big company with a big stable of top-selling performers.

The New York Times

"Monday's vote will make history one way or another; I am merely one among many turning their eyes towards Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg and hoping that they have the courage to do what Cameron promised, but which he failed to deliver".

The Guardian

Weight is merely one among many measures that suggest something about overall health -- albeit an important one.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

On the other hand, it's hard to see a pope as merely one European among many.

The New York Times - Books

A deficit alone does not necessary lead to higher interest rates, most economists say, but is merely one factor among many.

The New York Times

The film's screenwriter, Daniel D. Davis, and its director, Christopher N. Rowley, treat their characters' faith as a given — as merely one characteristic among many.

The New York Times

Outsiders are quite able to understand that a pay ratio is merely one measure among many and that investment banks and supermarkets have different pay structures.

The Guardian - Business

What Carroll wants to show us above all is that the relationship with the Jews is not merely one issue among many for the modern church.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merely one among" to downplay the significance of a single item or event when it's part of a larger group. This can help create a sense of perspective or proportion in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "merely one among" when the item or event you're describing actually holds significant importance. Ensure that downplaying its role is appropriate in the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely one among" functions as a qualifier, diminishing the significance of a particular item by placing it within a larger group. It serves to emphasize that something is not unique or special, as Ludwig AI explains. For example, "Weight is merely one among many measures that suggest something about overall health."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "merely one among" is used to downplay the significance of a single element by positioning it as just one part of a larger group. It's grammatically correct and most frequently encountered in news media and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While not exceedingly common, it's a useful phrase for providing context and perspective, and must be employed carefully to avoid unintended implications of insignificance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just one of many

Emphasizes the singular aspect within a larger group, implying a lack of distinction.

simply one of many

Similar to "just one of many", but adds a sense of ease or lack of complexity.

one of many

A more concise version that directly states membership in a larger group.

only one among many

Highlights the exclusivity and limitation of being just one.

but one of many

Introduces a contrast, emphasizing that something is just one despite other considerations.

merely a part of many

Focuses on the aspect of being a component within a larger collection.

just a single one of many

Reinforces the singularity and inclusion within a group.

one item among many

Highlights that something is a single element, emphasizing the compositional aspect of belonging to a group.

a single element among many

Similar to "one item among many", but uses a more formal tone.

one instance among many

Stresses that a particular event is only one example from a multitude of similar situations.

FAQs

How can I use "merely one among" in a sentence?

Use "merely one among" to indicate that something is just one item in a larger collection, suggesting it is not particularly special or unique. For example: "This book is "merely one among" many on the subject."

What phrases are similar to "merely one among"?

Similar phrases include "just one of many", "simply one of many", or "one of many". These alternatives also convey that something is not unique or particularly important.

Is it always appropriate to use "merely one among"?

No, it's not always appropriate. Using "merely one among" can downplay the importance of something. Only use it when you want to convey that something is not particularly significant or unique within a larger context. Consider the connotations before using it.

What's the difference between "merely one among" and "the only one"?

"Merely one among" suggests something is just one of many, implying a lack of uniqueness or special status. In contrast, "the only one" indicates that something is unique and without any other similar instances. They have opposite meanings.