more than mere

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more than mere" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is greater or more significant than just a simple or basic version of itself. Example: "Her contribution to the project was more than mere assistance; she was a driving force behind its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's more than mere rhetoric.

The New Yorker

It is much more than mere Christianity.

The New York Times

It was more than mere flirtation, though.

Independent

Steampunk is more than mere fantasy.

The New York Times - Books

I want more than mere bodily survival.

Yale University

How is this more than mere opportunism?

University of California, Berkeley

Cleveland's vision is more than mere hubris.

Princeton University

Adamatzky's interest is more than mere curiosity.

MIT Technology Review

But Cherokees were more than mere victims.

The New York Times

Confederate symbols are more than mere artifacts.

The New York Times - Arts

These flecks are more than mere residue.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more than mere" to elevate the significance of a subject, showing it has qualities or implications beyond its basic definition. This adds depth and sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "more than mere" in sentences where the additional emphasis is unnecessary or redundant. This can make your writing sound pretentious or overly complex. For example, avoid saying "This is more than mere water" when "This is special water" suffices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more than mere" functions as an intensifier, used to emphasize that something is not simply basic or ordinary, but possesses additional qualities or significance. Ludwig AI confirms this, showcasing examples where the phrase elevates the importance of the subject being described.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

27%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more than mere" is a versatile phrase used to amplify the significance of something beyond its basic form. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across news, academic, and scientific domains. When writing, remember to employ it strategically to add depth and emphasis, avoiding overuse in simple contexts. Alternatives like "beyond simple" or "not just" offer similar emphasis. The phrase is best suited for neutral to formal registers, making it a valuable tool for sophisticated and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more than a simple

Directly mirrors the structure of the original phrase while slightly altering the wording.

more than just

Similar to "not just" but with added emphasis on the 'more' aspect.

not just

Highlights that something is not limited to a particular aspect, implying additional qualities or significance.

not merely

A more formal alternative to "not just", conveying a similar meaning.

beyond simple

Focuses on exceeding a basic level, similar to "more than mere" but with a slightly different emphasis.

goes beyond

Highlights surpassing or exceeding a particular limit or boundary.

exceeds simple

Emphasizes surpassing a basic level or expectation.

far from merely

Emphasizes that something is significantly different from being just a basic version.

transcends basic

Highlights going beyond the fundamental or rudimentary aspects.

over and above

Indicates doing or being something far beyond what is expected or required.

FAQs

How can I use "more than mere" in a sentence?

Use "more than mere" to emphasize that something is not just basic or simple, but has additional significance or qualities. For example: "His contribution was "more than mere" assistance; it was crucial to the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "more than mere"?

You can use alternatives like "beyond simple", "not just", or "more than just" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "more than mere"?

No, using "more than mere" is not always necessary. It's best used when you want to emphasize that something has greater significance or qualities than might be initially apparent. If the simple meaning is sufficient, avoid adding unnecessary emphasis.

What's the difference between "more than mere" and "just"?

"Just" indicates something is only what it is and nothing else. "More than mere" indicates that something exceeds its basic definition and possesses additional significance or qualities. For example, "It's just a game" versus "It's "more than mere" entertainment".