merely them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is just or only those people or things referred to as "them." Example: "In the end, it was merely them who decided the outcome of the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

So when one dismisses another's proper anger by perceiving that person or group as crazy, or by suggesting it is merely them being passionate, I believe it is a political tool to silence voices and to halt the democratic project we profess so much to believe in.

HuffPost

Certainly, many of the values we impaled in that book ― greed, ultra-competitiveness, the subjection of darker races, a deep-seated suspicion and derision of foreigners (Mexicans, Arabs, Asians), all enwreathed in a credo of unattainable happiness ― animate many of Trump's enthusiasts (and not merely them).

HuffPost

Can we today read a second Donald into How to Read Donald Duck Certainlyy, many of the values we impaled in that book ― greed, ultra-competitiveness, the subjection of darker races, a deep-seated suspicion and derision of foreigners (Mexicans, Arabs, Asians), all enwreathed in a credo of unattainable happiness ― animate many of Trump's enthusiasts (and not merely them).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Devolution will not end them, merely force them abruptly into the open.This will have special resonance in money matters.

The Economist

That is, not mounting them, but merely storing them.

Yale University

She didn't want to trap them, but merely join them.

The New Yorker

On the other, if we change them, or merely critique them, terrible things will happen.

The Guardian - Opinion

Insurers say the increases will not enrich them, but merely keep them in business.

The New York Times

That includes creating them and merely viewing them.

TechCrunch

You don't need to kill them but merely prevent them from defusing the bomb.

WikiHow

That doesn't make them bad, it merely makes them human.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merely them" to precisely specify a limited group, often to contrast their actions or qualities with others.

Common error

Avoid using "merely them" excessively in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound slightly informal or colloquial in certain academic or professional settings. Opt for alternatives like "only they" or "exclusively them" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely them" functions as a qualifier, limiting the scope of an action, attribute, or responsibility to a specific group. Ludwig's examples show it being used to emphasize that something applies only to "them", excluding others.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "merely them" functions as a qualifier, emphasizing the limited scope of an action or attribute to a specific group. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct. Although "merely them" is primarily found in news and media contexts and considered to have a neutral register, its use is relatively rare. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "only them" or "exclusively them". This guide aims to provide clarity on the correct usage and potential alternatives for "merely them", ensuring effective communication in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only them

Replaces "merely" with "only", emphasizing exclusivity with a more direct tone.

just them

Substitutes "merely" with "just", conveying simplicity and a lack of additional factors.

simply them

Replaces "merely" with "simply", focusing on the uncomplicated nature of the group's involvement.

exclusively them

Emphasizes the exclusive nature of their involvement, making it clear no others are included.

solely them

Highlights that they alone are responsible or involved, focusing on their singular role.

purely them

Suggests their involvement is unmixed or unadulterated, emphasizing the absence of external influences.

nothing but them

Emphasizes the limitation to only those individuals, conveying a sense of restriction.

none other than them

Adds a dramatic flair, highlighting that it is specifically those individuals and no others.

particularly them

Focuses on highlighting their distinction within the group.

especially them

Highlights a stronger emphasis on their distinction within the group.

FAQs

What does "merely them" mean?

"Merely them" means only those people or things are involved, with no others. It emphasizes a limited scope or focus.

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

You can use "merely them" to indicate that an action or characteristic applies exclusively to a specific group. For example, "It was "only them" who understood the true meaning of the event."

What are some alternatives to "merely them"?

Alternatives include "just them", "only them", or "simply them", depending on the context and desired emphasis.

Is "merely them" formal or informal?

"Merely them" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. In highly formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "exclusively them" or "solely them".