then merely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then merely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is only or simply the case, often in a context where a contrast or limitation is being highlighted. Example: "The solution was not a breakthrough; it was then merely a temporary fix."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Much more composed then merely hitting out.

The Guardian - Sport

He listened to Dzhabrail express condolences for his loss and then merely said, "Congratulations".

The New Yorker

Total employment fell for a year beginning last spring and then merely flattened out.

The New York Times

Even then, merely addressing the existing blight understates the problem because blight creates more blight.

The Guardian

In 1973, that long-haired man was Brian Eno, then merely the synthesizer player for Roxy Music.

The New Yorker

Back then, merely acknowledging the existence of global warming was a thought crime among coal-burning energy executives.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ahead of the 2005 general election, Mr Farage, then merely an MEP, confessed to an adviser that he didn't know if UKIP had an economic policy.

The Economist

If this is the case then merely recalling the trip could resurrect its neural correlates, allowing the person to re-experience the insight, the awareness, the hope.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is because the restriction enzyme then merely opens up the vector ring, creating a space for the insertion of the donor DNA segment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But then, Germans merely make Mercedes.

The New York Times

But then television merely fell in step with the times.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then merely" to clearly indicate a sequence of events where the second event is simple or less significant than the first. For example, "The initial plan failed; then merely adapting it proved successful."

Common error

Avoid using "then merely" in overly complex sentences, as it can make the sentence sound awkward. Instead, consider using simpler alternatives like "only then" or restructuring the sentence for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then merely" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a sequence of events while also emphasizing the simplicity or limited nature of the subsequent action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "then merely" is a grammatically sound adverbial modifier that signals a sequence, emphasizing the simplicity or limited nature of the following action. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this phrase. It’s commonly used in news and media, scientific writing, and encyclopedias. When employing "then merely", ensure the context warrants its use. Avoid overuse in complex sentences, and consider simpler alternatives like "only then" or "simply then" where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only then

Emphasizes the timing aspect and restricts the action or state to that specific point.

simply then

Highlights the uncomplicated nature of the subsequent action or state.

just then

Indicates a specific point in time followed by a straightforward action.

at that point only

Adds emphasis to the specific moment and restricts further possibilities.

thereupon solely

A more formal way to express a sequence and limitation.

subsequently just

Focuses on the following action being straightforward after a certain point.

after that alone

Highlights the action that follows and its solitary nature.

following that solely

Emphasizes that nothing else occurs beyond the simple action.

next merely

Identifies something simple happened the next time or stage.

afterward only

Highlights that something simple occurred after a previous event.

FAQs

How can I use "then merely" in a sentence?

Use "then merely" to indicate a sequence where the subsequent action is simple or limited. For example, "He completed the complex calculations, "only then" did he "then merely" double-check the results."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "then merely"?

Alternatives include "only then", "simply then", or "just then". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "then merely" at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically acceptable, starting a sentence with "then merely" can sometimes sound awkward. Consider rephrasing for smoother flow, or use a phrase such as "only then".

What's the difference between "then merely" and "then simply"?

"Then merely" implies a sense of limitation or simplicity in the action that follows, while "then simply" emphasizes the straightforward nature of the subsequent action. "Simply then", for instance, could highlight a straightforward action.