merely worn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely worn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is simply or only worn, often implying that it is not in perfect condition or is just a basic state of being worn. Example: "The shoes were merely worn, showing signs of age but still functional."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But Simon's support has merely worn people out, according to Mr. Weber, the Taubman lawyer.

The New York Times

The offending hint of bust was barely visible; she had merely worn a blouse that dipped lower than her clavicle.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Marriage was frowned upon; mates merely wore a red piece of string in place of a ring.

The New Yorker

Some stories accomplish this by aiming for adults and merely wearing children's clothing, so to speak.

The New Yorker

Riemer didn't impede another runner or cut the course; he merely wore the wrong color underwear.

The New York Times

NATURALLY, there is debate about whether the mayor is truly transformed or merely wearing a good-guy mask.

The New York Times

Entertainment website Afisha was less positive about James as Natasha Rostova, saying she merely "wears a fringe and smiles in a cute way".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Merely wearing red long underwear can be hazardous, if, for example, your trousers fall down and you bend over to pick them up while in a busy part of the range..

The New Yorker

Reichl, in order to conceal her identity from the restaurant people who were desperate for her good opinion, dined in disguise throughout her five years at the Times, not merely wearing wigs and dark glasses but actually creating and inhabiting whole alternative characters: a chorine called Chloe, a sad "Glass Menagerie -type Menagerie -typeladyand even a version of her mother, homey and sensible.

The New Yorker

Merely wearing red long underwear can be hazardous, if, for example, your trousers fall down and you bend over to pick them up while in a busy part of the range… For now, Crowe is dusting himself off, brushing away the bits of grass and duff, and planning what he'll do next.

The New Yorker

Health officials said they did not think it likely that the contamination of the clothes, if confirmed, could have resulted from Ms. Nguyen's merely wearing them, and that the traces are likely to have wound up on her clothing at the time of her exposure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merely worn" to emphasize that an item is in a basic or unremarkable state of being worn, without additional attributes or modifications.

Common error

Avoid using "merely worn" in highly formal or professional writing where more precise language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "slightly used" or "in fair condition" for enhanced clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely worn" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a state of being used or having been worn, but implies that the wear is not extensive or particularly noteworthy. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "merely worn" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something in a basic state of wear. As Ludwig confirms, it's usable in written English, though relatively rare. It functions to convey a minimal or unremarkable degree of usage, and is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When writing, consider whether a more precise term like "slightly used" might be more appropriate for formal situations. Alternatives such as "simply worn" or "just worn" offer similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Simply worn

Replaces "merely" with "simply", emphasizing the uncomplicated nature of being worn.

Just worn

Substitutes "merely" with "just", indicating a basic or minimal state of being worn.

Only worn

Replaces "merely" with "only", highlighting the exclusivity of the worn condition.

Barely worn

Indicates a minimal amount of wear, implying it's almost new.

Slightly worn

Suggests a small degree of wear, less than heavily used.

Lightly worn

Similar to slightly worn, emphasizing the gentle usage.

Hardly worn

Implies very little use, close to being unused.

Minimally worn

Formally states the minimal aspect of being worn.

Somewhat worn

Indicates a moderate amount of wear.

Moderately worn

Similar to somewhat worn, emphasizing the medium level of use.

FAQs

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

You can use "merely worn" to describe an item's condition, such as "The shoes were "merely worn", showing signs of use but still functional".

What can I say instead of "merely worn"?

Alternatives include "simply worn", "just worn", or "slightly worn" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "merely worn" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "merely worn" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more precise terms like "slightly used" or "in acceptable condition".

What does it mean when something is described as "merely worn"?

It indicates that the item is in a basic state of being worn, without any significant damage or alterations. It suggests a minimal or unremarkable degree of wear.