more than merely

USAGE SUMMARY

“more than merely” is a correct phrase to use in written English.
It is used to emphasize the degree to which something is true. For example, “He was more than merely successful; he was one of the greatest minds of his generation.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Nazarbayev's disappointment is more than merely paternal.

The New Yorker

And he did more than merely perform.

The New York Times - Arts

Such worries are more than merely anecdotal.

The New York Times

Marie sometimes did more than merely write.

The Guardian

Yet it has done far more than merely survive.

The Economist

It is more than merely a remarkable likeness.

Independent

Chess should be seen as more than merely a game.

The New York Times

But Jeremy Heywood (pictured) merits more than merely orthographic attention.

The Economist

But can he do more than merely survive?

The Economist

Mr Lott did more than merely praise Mr Thurmond.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Matthew David Brozik '95 is a professional copywriter, hobbyist humorist, and more-than-merely-aspiring author.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more than merely" to emphasize that something has significance or impact beyond its basic or superficial appearance. This adds depth to your writing and highlights the true extent of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "more than merely" in sentences where the added emphasis is unnecessary or sounds pretentious. Simpler constructions can often be more effective in conveying basic ideas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more than merely" functions as an intensifying adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or adjective to emphasize that something is not just basic or superficial, but has additional qualities or importance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more than merely" is a commonly used adverbial phrase employed to emphasize that something transcends its basic or superficial qualities. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse fields such as news, academia, and science. While its register ranges from neutral to formal, it effectively adds depth and significance to written content. To maximize impact, use "more than merely" to underscore important details and avoid overuse in simple statements. Related phrases like "more than simply" and "beyond just" can serve as alternatives to maintain variety in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more than simply

Indicates a higher degree or complexity compared to a simple action.

more so than just

Highlights a comparison, indicating that something is true to a greater degree than a simple action.

rather than simply

Emphasizes a preference or choice over a basic action.

beyond just

Highlights exceeding a limited or basic aspect.

rather than only

Suggests a preference for one thing over another, moving beyond a singular option.

not only but also

Introduces an additional element that complements the initial one, indicating a greater scope.

over and above

Signifies an excess or addition to what is expected or required.

furthermore than just

It's more emphatic, highlighting that something exceeds a simple state or action and includes more.

in excess of

Indicates a quantity or degree that goes beyond a certain limit.

to a greater extent than

Emphasizes the degree to which something surpasses a basic level or expectation.

FAQs

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

Use "more than merely" to emphasize that something is not just basic or superficial, but has deeper significance or impact. For example, "The painting was "more than merely" decorative; it was a powerful statement of social commentary".

What phrases can I use instead of "more than merely"?

You can use alternatives such as "more than simply", "rather than just", or "beyond just" to convey a similar meaning depending on the context.

Is it better to use "more than merely" or "more than just"?

Both "more than merely" and "more than just" are acceptable, but "more than merely" tends to be slightly more formal and emphatic. The choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.

What is the difference between "more than merely" and "simply"?

"More than merely" indicates that something exceeds a basic or superficial level, while "simply" suggests that something is straightforward and uncomplicated. "More than merely" adds emphasis that "simply" lacks.