merely since

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely since" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is true or valid only because of a specific reason or condition. Example: "I decided to leave the meeting early, merely since I had another appointment to attend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He was the first rookie ever to lead both categories, not merely since 1949.

The New York Times - Sports

Over time, the idea of shareholder value as the goal of the corporation became so ingrained in American business policy that it seemed to have existed forever rather than merely since the end of the 20th century.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The findings are merely preliminary, since the Congressional Budget Office and Joint Committee on Taxation had mere hours ― not the usual weeks ― to evaluate the latest version of a measure sponsored by GOP Sens. Bill Cassidy (La).

Huffington Post

Before the construction of the Loktak Hydroelectric Project, the park area containing phumdis was merely marshy land, but since the commissioning of the project, two ecosystems have emerged.

Wikipedia

Far better than merely surviving since its founding in 1956, MC has grown dramatically.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unfortunately, his presence was merely ornamental since he was nursing a badly-split lip, which had rendered him unable to speak.

Independent

Enlightenment values are, for them, not merely universal, since they derive from reason, but they are 'our' universals, rooted in Western culture.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Bulger has been seen as merely mortal since he left the Legislature in 1995 to become president of the University of Massachusetts.

The New York Times

The degree of malignity varies in the villains, and they are never merely villainous, since we are taken into their twisted imaginations in ways that foreclose simple condemnation.

The New York Times - Books

The political significance of tonight's meeting was merely symbolic, since the county does not have the power to close the plant.

The New York Times

At present, he said, the conflict was merely suspended, since the belligerents had not accepted the ceasefire imposed by the United Nations.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merely since" to clearly indicate that a particular reason is the sole basis for a statement or action, avoiding any implication of additional factors.

Common error

Avoid using "merely since" when multiple factors are at play. It's best suited for situations where the reason is explicitly singular and limiting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely since" functions as a causal connector, indicating that the preceding statement is true only because of the reason that follows. Ludwig's examples show it linking a condition to its sole cause or explanation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "merely since" is a causal connector used to indicate that something is true or valid only because of a specific reason. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct but relatively rare. It functions to emphasize the limiting nature of a reason and is most commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. While acceptable in both formal and informal settings, more direct alternatives like "only because" may be preferable in very formal writing. Remember to use "merely since" when you want to clearly specify the sole basis for a statement or action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only because

Focuses on the singular reason something is the case, similar to "merely since" but more direct.

simply because

Emphasizes the straightforward nature of the reason, akin to "merely since" but stressing simplicity.

just because

Highlights the specific reason with a sense of possible inadequacy, similar to "merely since".

solely due to

Indicates that the reason is the only factor, mirroring the exclusivity in "merely since".

purely on account of

Stresses the single reason for something, reflecting the limited scope in "merely since".

exclusively as a result of

Highlights the exclusive nature of the reason, similar to the restrictive sense of "merely since".

precisely because

Emphasizes the exact reason, similar to clarifying the singular reason with "merely since".

entirely by reason of

Stresses completeness, meaning that the reason given is the only cause, as with "merely since".

specifically on the grounds that

Highlights the particular reason, akin to specifying the singular reason with "merely since".

uniquely attributed to

Focuses on the singular reason, much like the exclusive focus provided by "merely since".

FAQs

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

Use "merely since" to indicate that something is true or valid only because of a specific reason or condition. For example, "The political significance of tonight's meeting was merely symbolic, "since the county does not have the power" to close the plant".

What are some alternatives to "merely since"?

You can use alternatives like "only because", "simply because", or "just because" depending on the context. Each subtly shifts the emphasis on the reason provided.

Is "merely since" formal or informal?

"Merely since" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more direct alternatives like "only because" might be preferred in very formal writing.

When is it appropriate to use "merely since"?

It's appropriate to use "merely since" when you want to emphasize that a single, specific reason is the only basis for a statement or action, with no other contributing factors.