merely the beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

"merely the beginning" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to emphasize that something is just the beginning of a much bigger and longer process. For example, "Starting my own business was merely the beginning of a long journey of hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But these categories are merely the beginning.

The New York Times

That, however, was merely the beginning.

The Economist

For Gutierrez it was merely the beginning.

The Guardian - Film

That was merely the beginning of the 11th's troubles.

The New York Times

This is merely the beginning of the list.

The New York Times - Books

These dubious delicacies, though, are merely the beginning.

The New York Times

For Bavouzet, however, the notes were merely the beginning.

The Guardian - Music

"3 by 5" is merely the beginning of a long and expensive road.

The Economist

Marion's on-ball defense is merely the beginning of a more complex defensive ecosystem.

The New York Times

That was merely the beginning of the I.R.S.'s revised approach toward innocent-spouse requests.

The New York Times

But that was merely the beginning of the crisis, not its underlying cause.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase to introduce a series of developments, highlighting that the initial action is not the final outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "merely the beginning" when the subsequent stages are unlikely to materialize or are insignificant. Ensure there is a reasonable expectation of further developments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely the beginning" functions as a qualifier or modifier, emphasizing that a current event or situation is only the initial stage of something larger or more significant. As indicated by Ludwig, it correctly conveys that the present state is not the end but just a commencement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "merely the beginning" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that a current event is just the initial phase of something larger. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, from news reports to academic discussions. Related phrases like "only the beginning" and "just the beginning" offer similar meanings. When using this phrase, ensure that there is a reasonable expectation of further developments to avoid overstating the initial significance. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "merely the beginning" in your writing to set expectations and manage perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely the start

Replaces "beginning" with "start", offering a direct synonym while retaining the original meaning.

simply the beginning

Replaces "merely" with "simply", emphasizing the uncomplicated nature of the initial phase.

only the beginning

Replaces "merely" with "only", emphasizing the limited nature of the current stage.

just the beginning

Replaces "merely" with "just", conveying a sense of simplicity and understatement about the initial phase.

merely the origin

Substitutes "beginning" with "origin", focusing on the source or initial point of something.

essentially the beginning

Substitutes "merely" with "essentially", suggesting the fundamental nature of the starting point.

barely the beginning

Changes "merely" to "barely", indicating minimal progress or achievement at the initial stage.

hardly the beginning

Uses "hardly" instead of "merely", implying a contrast with a more substantial future development.

just a taste of what's to come

Replaces the entire phrase to convey the idea that there is much more to experience or witness in the future.

the tip of the iceberg

Uses an idiom to imply that the apparent situation is only a small part of a larger, hidden reality.

FAQs

How can I use "merely the beginning" in a sentence?

You can use "merely the beginning" to indicate that something is just the start of a longer process. For example, "This small donation is "merely the beginning" of our fundraising efforts".

What are some alternatives to saying "merely the beginning"?

Alternatives include "only the beginning", "just the beginning", or "the tip of the iceberg". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "merely the beginning" or "just the beginning"?

Both "merely the beginning" and "just the beginning" are grammatically correct and commonly used. "Merely" adds a slightly more formal tone, while "just" is more casual. Choose based on your desired level of formality.

Can "merely the beginning" be used in negative contexts?

Yes, it can. For example, "The initial setback was "merely the beginning" of a series of unfortunate events," indicating that more negative experiences followed.