not merely that

USAGE SUMMARY

"not merely that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize an additional idea or fact in addition to something that has already been stated. For example: I'm not just visiting my grandparents for the weekend; not merely that, I'm also helping them with some odd jobs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's not merely that he thinks there can be no genuine freedom in mere intellectual appetite.

SEP

It's not merely that Jacob finds women's feet attractive.

The New York Times - Books

It's not merely that tech CEOs will thrive under Trump.

The Guardian

It's not merely that she was the favorite.

The New Yorker

The promise of the Obama presidency was not merely that he'd bring Democrats back to power.

The New York Times

The problem is not merely that the American authorities still seem unsure who is to blame.

The Economist

It is not merely that they provide escape from headaches at home.

The Economist

And it's not merely that Bush appears to have inherited the family weakness for malapropisms.

The New Yorker

It is not merely that the FCPA means what its enforcers say it means.

The Economist

It was not merely that the old social order was being pulled down.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the real energy that emanates from Ms. Shaw isn't kinetic, or not merely that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not merely that" to introduce a point that adds significance or expands the understanding of a previous statement. It's especially effective when the initial statement might be considered incomplete or insufficient on its own.

Common error

Avoid using "not merely that" in very simple sentences where a basic conjunction like 'and' or 'also' would suffice. This phrase is most effective when the second point provides a deeper layer of meaning or significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not merely that" functions as an conjunctive adverbial phrase, linking two related clauses or ideas. It serves to introduce a second point that amplifies, emphasizes, or adds significance to the initial statement. As Ludwig AI indicates, this highlights an addition to a previously mentioned fact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not merely that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce an additional, often more significant, point that builds upon a previous statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and frequently used expression. Its usage is particularly prevalent in news, academic and scientific writing, lending a degree of formality to the text. While synonyms like "not just that" and "not only that" exist, "not merely that" adds a distinct emphasis, signaling that the subsequent information is not simply additional but also important for a comprehensive understanding. Remember to reserve it for sentences where the second point adds meaningful depth beyond the initial statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not just that

This alternative is slightly more informal and conversational than "not merely that".

not only that

This alternative is a direct synonym, conveying the same meaning with a slightly different structure.

moreover

This alternative offers a more formal and concise way to introduce an additional point.

furthermore

This alternative is similar to 'moreover' but can imply a slightly stronger emphasis on the added information.

in addition

This alternative is a straightforward and neutral way to introduce additional information.

besides

This alternative is slightly more informal than "in addition" and suggests that the added point is somewhat unexpected.

what's more

This alternative is relatively informal and conveys enthusiasm about the added information.

beyond that

This alternative emphasizes that the added point surpasses the previous one in importance or scope.

on top of that

This alternative is quite informal and suggests that the added point is an extra burden or benefit.

to boot

This alternative is an informal, somewhat old-fashioned way to add an extra point, often implying it's a welcome addition.

FAQs

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

Use "not merely that" to introduce an additional point that enhances or emphasizes a previous statement. For example: "The project was successful, "not merely that", it exceeded all expectations."

What are some alternatives to "not merely that"?

You can use alternatives such as "not just that", "not only that", or "in addition" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "not merely that" formal or informal?

"Not merely that" is considered relatively formal and is suitable for academic, professional, or news-related contexts. For informal settings, alternatives like "not just that" might be more appropriate.

What distinguishes "not merely that" from "and"?

While "and" simply connects two ideas, "not merely that" implies that the second idea is more significant or adds a layer of understanding that the first idea alone doesn't provide. It indicates that there's something more to consider.