the mere mention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the mere mention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that simply bringing up a topic or idea is significant or impactful. Example: "The mere mention of the project sparked a heated debate among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

At the mere mention of Mr. Crist, the crowd jeered.

The New York Times

The mere mention of refereeing has him giggling.

The Guardian - Sport

The mere mention of it makes me feel queasy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even now the mere mention of tripe makes mum gag.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The mere mention of frozen food leaves Mohammed Uddin cold.

The New York Times

Now, players bristle at the mere mention of that game.

The New York Times

Among economists who know their history, the mere mention of certain years evokes shivers.

The New York Times

As for blacksmiths, the mere mention of them touched a nerve.

The New Yorker

The mere mention of godparenting can elicit exclamations of guilt, shame and self-rebuke.

The New York Times

Yet too many politicians still quake at the mere mention of the N.R.A.

The New York Times

The mere mention of Greg Rayburn, the chief executive of the OTB, elicited boos and hissing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the mere mention" to highlight how easily a topic can trigger a response or reaction, whether positive or negative.

Common error

Avoid using "the mere mention" in very casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler phrasing like "just mentioning" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the mere mention" functions as a noun phrase that often serves as the subject or object of a sentence. It emphasizes that even the act of mentioning something is enough to trigger a specific reaction or effect. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Reference

1%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the mere mention" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly within news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it emphasizes the impact of simply bringing up a topic, suggesting sensitivity or significance. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and is suitable for neutral to formal registers. While alternatives like "simply mentioning" or "just mentioning" exist, they may lack the same degree of emphasis. To avoid overuse in informal settings, consider if a simpler expression better suits the context. "The mere mention" is a powerful tool for highlighting the potency of certain subjects and their ability to evoke immediate reactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the very mention

Replaces "mere" with "very" for slightly stronger emphasis on the impact of the mention.

the slightest mention

Emphasizes that even a minimal reference to something is enough to cause an effect.

simply mentioning

Simplifies the phrase while retaining the core meaning of a basic reference triggering a reaction.

just mentioning

Uses "just" instead of "mere" for a more casual tone, indicating a simple act of mentioning.

the simple act of mentioning

Highlights the action of mentioning itself, making it the focal point.

the very thought of

Shifts focus from mentioning to the idea itself, emphasizing the impact of even thinking about it.

merely alluding to

Replaces "mention" with "alluding," suggesting a more indirect reference.

the instant it's mentioned

Highlights the quick reaction or immediate effect when something is brought up.

the moment someone mentions

Specifies a point in time, emphasizing the immediacy of the reaction following the mention.

upon mentioning

Uses a more formal tone to indicate what happens immediately after something is mentioned.

FAQs

How can I use "the mere mention" in a sentence?

You can use "the mere mention" to emphasize how simply bringing up a topic can trigger a reaction. For example, "The mere mention of his name elicited boos".

What can I say instead of "the mere mention"?

You can use alternatives like "simply mentioning", "just mentioning", or "the slightest mention depending on the context".

Is it appropriate to use "the mere mention" in formal writing?

Yes, "the mere mention" is suitable for formal writing. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is frequently used in news and media sources, which often maintain a formal tone.

What's the difference between "the mere mention" and "the simple mention"?

While both phrases are similar, "the mere mention" often implies a stronger or more immediate reaction compared to "the simple mention". "Mere" can suggest surprise or disbelief at the reaction.