not merely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not merely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is not simply one thing, but more than one. For example: "Not merely a great actor, he is also an accomplished musician."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not merely shyness.

The New Yorker

And not merely standing.

The Economist

Qubits are not merely theoretical.

The New Yorker

This is not merely bluster.

The Economist

This is not merely coincidence.

Independent

It's not merely a palindrome.

The New Yorker

It's not merely symbolic.

The Guardian - Opinion

For Gaza it not merely a place.

The New Yorker

Such defections are not merely symbolic.

The New York Times

Not merely fish — a pod of whales.

The New Yorker

The risks are not merely political.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not merely" to add depth or complexity to a statement, indicating that something is more than it initially appears. For example, "The problem is "not merely" financial; it also involves ethical considerations."

Common error

Avoid using "not merely" in sentences where a simpler word like "not only" or "simply" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not merely" functions as an adverbial modifier, typically used to emphasize that something is more than it appears to be, adding depth or complexity to a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not merely" is a versatile adverbial modifier that emphasizes that something is more than it seems. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and effective in adding depth to your writing. It is commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. To enhance clarity and avoid overuse, consider alternatives such as "not simply", "more than just", and "not only". Remember to use "not merely" to enrich your sentences, providing a fuller and more nuanced perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not simply

Focuses on the simplicity aspect being insufficient, similar to "not merely".

more than just

Emphasizes that something exceeds a basic level or expectation.

not only

Introduces an additional element or aspect beyond the first one mentioned.

not exclusively

Highlights that something is not limited to a single aspect or characteristic.

rather than just

Indicates a preference for a more comprehensive or nuanced understanding.

beyond just

Suggests that something extends beyond a specific boundary or limitation.

not purely

Emphasizes that other factors or influences are involved, not just one.

in addition to

Adds another aspect or element to the initial consideration.

as well as

Similar to "in addition to", indicates an inclusion of extra elements.

furthermore

Used to introduce a point that builds upon the previous one, adding extra qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "not merely" in a sentence?

Use "not merely" to emphasize that something is more than a single aspect or characteristic. For example, "The book is "not merely" informative; it's also deeply moving".

What are some alternatives to "not merely"?

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

Is it better to use "not merely" or "not only"?

"Not merely" emphasizes that something is more significant or complex than it appears at first glance, while "not only" introduces an additional element. Choose the phrase that best fits the nuance you want to convey. For instance, "He is "not merely" a doctor; he's a researcher" stresses his deeper involvement, whereas, "He is "not only" a doctor, but also a writer", adds another role or skill.

What's the difference between "not merely" and "just"?

"Just" indicates a limited or basic level, whereas "not merely" denies that limitation and suggests a higher degree or complexity. For example, "It's not "just" a job" implies it's more than that, while "It's "not merely" a job" emphasizes the significant impact or responsibility involved.