merely to emphasize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely to emphasize" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something is being stated simply for the purpose of highlighting or stressing a point. Example: "The author included the additional details merely to emphasize the importance of the main argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is merely to emphasize that there appears to be no good alternative to thinking that, when we are in a muddle about what the answer to a hard moral question is, we are in a muddle about what the absolutely correct answer is.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Once, in the midst of the busy cheese shop, the owner stopped waiting on everyone else in order to tell me that I was pronouncing 'grazie' wrong and to impress upon me (I think) that if I say 'graz-ee-ay' then I am talking about Grace from heaven (and here he lifted his hands in prayer to the sky, just to emphasize) instead of merely saying 'thank you', which was my original intention.

Huffington Post

In no way am I championing alternative credential programs; I merely write to emphasize the point that corps members that many deem unqualified happen to walk into classrooms by the thousands, passing the tests in place for all teachers.

Huffington Post

But he prefers to emphasize its message.

The New York Times

The term "values" is used in order to emphasize that it is not merely a question of relativism or simply because we understand human nature better.

Clinical interventions in aging

As such, the first step is to emphasize that medical errors are rarely merely negligence, sloppiness, incompetence, or poor motivation.

Critical Care

One needs to emphasize that Fig.  10 depicts merely the local structure of the polymer in toluene at T = 24−28 °C but not the global structure.

Colloid and Polymer Science

Finally, we would like to emphasize the fact that the proposed corrections are merely a starting point for substantial analyses and inferences.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

DARPA was keen to emphasize that it doesn't want anything remade from scratch, merely retooling things to create a more flexible infrastructure.

TechCrunch

Generative, "mimetic" ambiguity (that is, the sort of ambiguity that reflects real-world ambiguities and therefore helps us think and act through such ambiguities) is central to metamodernism; those who suppose metamodernism to merely emphasize "making sense" misconstrue metamodernism if they think the "sense" it offers us is an uncomplicated or easily disentangled one.

Huffington Post

However, it is important to emphasize that the software does not assist with code selection and decisions on findings; it is merely an organization tool.

Journal for Labour Market Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merely to emphasize" when you want to subtly indicate that the primary purpose of a statement is to highlight a specific point, without adding additional complexities or intentions.

Common error

Avoid using "merely to emphasize" when the statement has other significant implications or purposes beyond simple emphasis. Overusing it can diminish the actual importance of the information being conveyed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely to emphasize" functions as an infinitive of purpose, specifically indicating the reason for an action or statement. Ludwig shows its use in clarifying intent, suggesting that the action is solely for highlighting a particular aspect.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "merely to emphasize" serves as a purpose connector, clearly indicating that the sole intention behind a statement or action is to highlight a particular point. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While "merely to emphasize" is a valid and useful phrase, remember to choose the most concise phrasing, such as the simpler "to emphasize", when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply to emphasize

Replaces "merely" with "simply", offering a slightly less formal tone while retaining the core meaning.

just to emphasize

Substitutes "merely" with "just", providing a more colloquial alternative with the same intent.

only to emphasize

Uses "only" instead of "merely", conveying a sense of exclusivity in the purpose of emphasis.

primarily to emphasize

Adds "primarily" to specify that emphasis is the main, but not necessarily sole, purpose.

mainly to emphasize

Replaces "merely" with "mainly", indicating that emphasis is the principal reason.

specifically to emphasize

Includes "specifically" to highlight a deliberate focus on emphasizing a certain aspect.

particularly to emphasize

Employs "particularly" to suggest that emphasis is directed towards a noteworthy detail.

expressly to emphasize

Uses "expressly" for a more formal tone, signaling an explicit intention to emphasize.

purely to emphasize

Replaces "merely" with "purely", stressing that emphasis is the sole intention.

solely to emphasize

Substitutes "merely" with "solely", highlighting emphasis as the exclusive purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "merely to emphasize" in a sentence?

You can use "merely to emphasize" to show that a statement is primarily intended to highlight a specific point. For example, "The author included the example "merely to emphasize" the complexity of the situation".

What are some alternatives to "merely to emphasize"?

Alternatives include "simply to highlight", "just to stress", or "only to underscore", depending on the desired nuance and formality.

Is it redundant to use "merely to emphasize"?

While "merely" and "emphasize" can both point to highlighting a point, the phrase isn't necessarily redundant. It clarifies that the intention is only for emphasis and nothing more. However, consider if a simpler phrasing like "to emphasize" is sufficient.

What's the difference between "merely to emphasize" and "in order to emphasize"?

"Merely to emphasize" suggests that the sole purpose is emphasis, implying simplicity. "In order to emphasize" indicates that emphasis is a goal that is being actively pursued. Consider "He added details "merely to emphasize" the point" vs. "He added details "in order to emphasize" the point".