merely resting there

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely resting there" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is simply positioned or situated in a place without any action or purpose beyond that. Example: "The book was merely resting there on the table, untouched for days."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Without any treatment at all, but merely resting, they began gradually to feel better.

The New Yorker

Day 103: "The president is merely resting," reports Jenna Bush.

Vice

Mr. Obama cannot rest there.

The New York Times

Not all the blame rests there, though.

The New York Times

A cobra tap merely rests inside the refrigerator, and therefore no shank or drilling is required.

WikiHow

Virtually everybody who was anybody rests there.

Britannica

"Leeds obviously had a number rested there.

BBC

So he just lay there, resting.

The New York Times - Sports

No rest, there was just no rest..

Huffington Post

In fact, he doesn't go for big, named threats, doom-calling, dread-provoking, but two things trouble him: "The biggest handicap that conservation faces is that we humans still consider ourselves to be separate from the rest of life, and the rest of life is merely there to support us.

The Guardian

There was nothing to do but rest.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merely resting there" to describe an object or entity that is passively located in a specific place, without any further action or purpose. This phrasing is effective when emphasizing the simplicity and lack of activity associated with its presence.

Common error

Avoid using "merely resting there" when the object or entity actually has an important function or impact, as the phrase diminishes its significance. Opt for a more descriptive term that accurately reflects its role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely resting there" functions primarily as a descriptive element, specifying the state and location of an object or entity. It highlights a state of inactivity and simple presence, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Wiki

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Encyclopedias

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "merely resting there" is a descriptive phrase used to convey the simple presence of something in a particular location without any associated action or purpose. Although Ludwig determines that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, there's a lack of examples which indicates that is rarely used. This is reflected in the analysis of its function, purpose, and register, highlighting its use in various contexts, mainly in narrative contexts. While versatile, its relative infrequency suggests that it should be used judiciously to achieve the desired effect of emphasizing inactivity or simple presence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply located there

Emphasizes the uncomplicated nature of the location.

just situated there

Highlights the state of being positioned in that spot.

only positioned there

Focuses on the exclusiveness of the location.

plainly residing there

Suggests a simple and unadorned state of presence.

solely stationed there

Implies a singular and dedicated placement.

passively located there

Highlights the lack of active involvement in being there.

quietly placed there

Emphasizes the subdued nature of its location.

only present there

Focuses solely on its existence in that location.

simply lying there

Focuses on the act of lying down and being located in that specific location.

just being there

Highlights the state of only existing or being present in a particular space or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "merely resting there" in a sentence?

You can use "merely resting there" to describe something that is simply positioned or situated in a place without any action or purpose beyond that. For example: "The book was "merely resting there" on the table, untouched for days."

What are some alternatives to "merely resting there"?

Alternatives include "simply located there", "just situated there", or "only positioned there", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "merely resting there" formal or informal?

"Merely resting there" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it might be more common in descriptive or narrative writing.

What does "merely resting there" imply?

It implies a lack of activity or purpose beyond simply occupying a particular location. It suggests that whatever is ""merely resting there"" is not actively engaged in any function or process.