only merely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only merely" is not correct and is generally considered redundant in written English.
It is not advisable to use it as it does not add clarity or meaning to a sentence. Example: "He was only merely trying to help, but it didn't work out."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only 18 members responded.

The New York Times

Only 8 years-old.

The New York Times

Only 98 rejected it.

The Economist

Only 11 returned.

The New York Times - Arts

Ordered only 3….

The New Yorker

Only 7 of them.

The New York Times

Only 28 men belong.

The New York Times

Bristow's only 27".

The New York Times - Sports

In store only   7.

Independent

Only 992 pages left.

The New York Times

Only 16 are Britons.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "only merely". Choose either "only" or "merely" depending on the context to maintain clarity and avoid redundancy. Using both is grammatically incorrect.

Common error

Do not combine "only" and "merely" as they serve a similar purpose. Using both weakens the sentence and is considered poor writing. Replace the phrase with either word alone, or use a synonym like "simply" or "just".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only merely" functions as an attempted adverbial modifier, aiming to limit or qualify a statement. However, it's considered grammatically incorrect because of the redundancy between "only" and "merely". Ludwig AI confirms that it is not advisable to use it because it does not add clarity or meaning to a sentence.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only merely" is considered grammatically incorrect and redundant. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase does not add clarity or meaning to a sentence. It is not found in authoritative sources and is best avoided in both formal and informal writing. Instead, opt for using either "only" or "merely" depending on the intended emphasis. For a clearer and more concise expression, consider using alternatives like "simply" or "just". Avoiding the phrase will improve the precision and professionalism of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely

Removes "only", focusing solely on the limiting aspect.

only

Removes "merely", still indicating exclusivity or limitation.

simply

Replaces both words with a single term suggesting ease or straightforwardness.

just

A common substitute that conveys 'exclusively' or 'exactly'.

purely

Emphasizes that something is entirely and exclusively of a particular nature.

solely

Highlights that something is the only reason or factor involved.

exclusively

Stresses that something is limited to a specific group or condition.

nothing but

Indicates that there is nothing else apart from what is specified.

no more than

Emphasizes the limited quantity or extent of something.

at most

Indicates the upper limit or maximum amount possible.

FAQs

What is wrong with using "only merely"?

The phrase "only merely" is considered redundant because both words convey a similar meaning of limitation or exclusivity. It's grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in favor of using either word alone.

What can I say instead of "only merely"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "only merely" with alternatives like "merely", "only", "simply", or "just".

Is it ever correct to use "only merely" in a sentence?

No, it is generally not correct to use "only merely" in a sentence. The phrase is redundant and doesn't add any additional meaning compared to using either word separately. Using either "merely" or "only" will be more grammatically precise.

How does using "only" differ from using "merely"?

While both "only" and "merely" express limitation, "only" often implies exclusivity, while "merely" emphasizes insignificance. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.