nothing more than

USAGE SUMMARY

"nothing more than" is a commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to express that something is limited to a certain thing without exceeding it. For example: My goal is nothing more than to help those in need.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's nothing more than that".

The New York Times

It was nothing more than protection money.

The New York Times

They are nothing more than empty calories.

The New York Times - Health

"You're doing nothing more than killing jobs.

The New York Times

Nonviolence teaches us nothing more than this.

The New York Times

as nothing more than "curiosity-seeking".

The New Yorker

He loved nothing more than maidens.

The New Yorker

There's nothing more than that.

The Guardian - Sport

"Nothing more than moderate swells".

The New York Times

"It's nothing more than propaganda".

The New York Times - Books

I am nothing more than that.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nothing more than" to clearly and concisely express that something is limited to a specific attribute or quantity, avoiding unnecessary complexity in your writing.

Common error

While "nothing more than" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "merely", "simply", or "just" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nothing more than" functions as an intensifier and limiter, emphasizing that something is only what is specified and not anything else. It often introduces a simplification or a dismissive tone, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nothing more than" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the limited or minimal nature of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media. To enhance your writing, use it judiciously to provide clarity and emphasis, but avoid overuse to prevent redundancy. Consider alternative expressions such as "merely", "simply", or "just" to maintain variety and engagement. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively incorporate "nothing more than" into your writing while ensuring accuracy and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no more than

Directly states the upper limit of something, emphasizing the lack of excess.

only

Focuses on the exclusivity of something, indicating nothing else is involved.

just

Emphasizes that something is exactly as stated and nothing else.

merely

Indicates that something is only what is specified and not anything more.

simply

Highlights the straightforward or uncomplicated nature of something.

purely

Stresses that something is entirely and exclusively what is stated.

solely

Implies that something is the only factor or reason involved.

at most

Highlights the maximum quantity or degree possible.

exclusively

Focuses on the exclusion of all other possibilities or factors.

entirely

Indicates the completeness and exclusivity of something.

FAQs

How can I use "nothing more than" in a sentence?

The phrase "nothing more than" is used to emphasize that something is only a specific thing and not anything else. For example, "His explanation was "nothing more than" a lie."

What is a good alternative to "nothing more than"?

Alternatives include "simply", "merely", or "just". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "nothing more than"?

While grammatically correct, overusing "nothing more than" can make your writing sound repetitive. Ensure you are using it intentionally to add emphasis, and not as a filler phrase. Also, consider replacing with some of the suggestions above such as "merely", "simply" or "just".

What's the difference between "nothing more than" and "no more than"?

"Nothing more than" emphasizes the limited nature of something's qualities or attributes, while "no more than" focuses on a limited quantity. For example, "It was "nothing more than" a misunderstanding" versus "There were "no more than" ten people present".