merely the start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely the start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is just the beginning of a larger process or event. Example: "This project is merely the start of our efforts to improve sustainability in our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

That's merely the start.

The New York Times - Books

That, however, was merely the start.

Independent

Fixing finance is merely the start.

The New York Times

It is merely the start of a fraught weekend of semi-final rugby.

Independent

This should be substantially complete by the end of the year.Finishing the sequence, however, is merely the start.

The Economist

In terms of broadening minds – and skill sets – staging a Premiership game in New York is merely the start.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Munich was merely the starting gun.

The New Yorker

This conventional cat-and-mouse game, of course, was merely the starting point from which "The Prisoner" plumbed issues of freedom, conformity, privacy and control.

The New York Times - Arts

Although Mr. Thile, an alumnus of Nickel Creek, can toss off witty, jazz-flavored bluegrass solos with breathtaking velocity, his technique is merely the starting point for serious experiments in genre bending that incorporate music ranging from Bach to Radiohead.

The New York Times - Arts

Contracts are merely the starting point of a renegotiation, and every ambiguity and uncertainty in the law, real or otherwise, is to be taken advantage of to escape deals.

The New York Times

Years of this has led to a belief by all HR teams that when they ask you how much you expect to be paid (rather than just telling you what they want to pay for the job), the number you come back with is merely the starting point in a negotiation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merely the start" to introduce a point before expanding on it, indicating that there is more to come. For instance, "This initial investment is merely the start; further funding will be required for long-term sustainability."

Common error

While effective, overusing "merely the start" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "just the beginning" or "the initial phase" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely the start" functions as a qualifier, positioning an event or action as preliminary. It sets expectations that subsequent developments will be more significant or extensive. As Ludwig AI validates, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "merely the start" is a common phrase used to indicate that something is just beginning and more is expected to follow. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, reflecting a neutral tone suitable for a variety of audiences. To avoid repetition, consider using alternatives like "just the beginning" or "the initial phase". This phrase sets the stage, suggesting further developments and signaling that what has happened so far is preliminary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just the beginning

Emphasizes the early stage of a process or event, omitting "merely" for a slightly more direct tone.

only the beginning

Similar to "just the beginning", but with a slight emphasis on limitation or potential for growth.

simply the start

Replaces "merely" with "simply", offering a more straightforward and less dismissive tone.

the initial phase

Uses more formal language to denote the starting point of a project or process.

the opening stage

Similar to "initial phase", focusing on the commencement or initiation.

a starting point

Shifts the focus to the foundational aspect of the beginning.

the genesis

A more literary term indicating the origin or commencement of something.

the kickoff

Suggests an energetic beginning, often used in project management or sports contexts.

the dawn

A metaphorical expression that denotes the beginning of a new era or development.

the foundation

Highlights the base or groundwork laid at the beginning.

FAQs

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

You can use "merely the start" to indicate that something is just the beginning of a process or event, suggesting that more will follow. For example, "This small victory is "merely the start" of a long journey."

What phrases are similar to "merely the start"?

Alternatives include "just the beginning", "only the beginning", or "the initial phase", which all suggest that what has occurred is just the first step in a longer process.

Is there a more formal way to express "merely the start"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "the initial stage" or "the preliminary step" to convey a similar meaning in a more formal context.

What's the difference between "merely the start" and "just the beginning"?

While both phrases indicate that something is in its early stages, "merely the start" can sometimes imply that the current stage is insignificant compared to what's to come, while "just the beginning" is generally more neutral.