therefore merely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "therefore merely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is simply or only the case as a result of a previous statement or argument. Example: "The results of the experiment were inconclusive; therefore merely, we cannot draw any definitive conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Insofar as this is an argument for incompatibilism, it is an argument for the claim that determinism entails that we are mere links in a causal chain and therefore merely the proximate causes of our choices.

SEP

He therefore merely shrugs non-commitally.

The New Yorker

In his view, then, the Occupy movement and the London riots are therefore merely the signs of things to come.

The Guardian - Opinion

The difference between a society with flourishing markets and a market-coordinated society is not, therefore, merely one of attitudes.

Britannica

Is Wills, therefore, merely recommending the extension, to blacks and the young, of the privileges of unionism?

The New York Times

The persons who were called up, therefore, merely presided during the reading and recited the appropriate blessings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

"Talk of secession is therefore not merely premature, but unnecessary," Mr. Hannaford wrote.

The New York Times

Equal distribution is therefore not merely one among many alternatives, but rather the inevitable starting point that must be assumed insofar as one takes the justificatory claims of all to be of equal weight.

SEP

The right to health is, therefore, not merely a 'manifesto' right nor simply a rhetorical tool for advocacy, but an increasingly well-developed and enforceable legal right.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Therefore not merely do effort and labour cease, but also hatred and bitterness.

The Guardian - Books

The discussions of orders and methods, resolutions, compositions and the regressus-method are, therefore, not merely further elaborations of an old Aristotelian tradition, but also expressions of opinions in a lively debate concerning the changing relationships between various arts and sciences in sixteenth-century Italian universities (Mikkeli 1997, p. 228).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "therefore merely" to clearly indicate a logical consequence that might seem less significant or impactful than expected. This can add nuance to your argument by acknowledging the connection while downplaying its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "therefore merely" when the consequence is actually significant or complex. This phrase is best reserved for situations where you want to emphasize the simplicity or limited scope of the result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "therefore merely" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, connecting two clauses or sentences by indicating a consequence or result. However, it also qualifies that result as being simple, basic, or limited in some way. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is often used to express a straightforward deduction or a conclusion that is less significant than expected.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "therefore merely" is a useful phrase for indicating a logical consequence that is relatively simple or limited. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in a variety of sources, especially within scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. While "therefore merely" is versatile, remember to use it judiciously to avoid downplaying significant results inadvertently. Consider alternatives like "thus simply" or "hence just" to fine-tune the nuance of your writing. Understanding the contexts where "therefore merely" is most appropriate will ensure clarity and precision in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thus simply

Replaces "therefore" with "thus" maintaining the logical connection, and "merely" with "simply" indicating straightforwardness.

hence just

Substitutes "therefore" with "hence", another word for 'therefore', and "merely" with "just" implying a lack of complexity.

consequently only

Replaces "therefore" with "consequently" signaling a result, and "merely" with "only" to indicate limitation.

accordingly just

Uses "accordingly" as a substitute for "therefore", showing logical sequence, and "just" in place of "merely".

as a result only

Emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship explicitly, using "only" instead of "merely".

it follows only

Highlights the deduction aspect, with "only" limiting the scope.

in consequence only

Similar to "as a result only", but more formal.

for that reason only

Directly indicates the reason for the limited outcome.

that's why just

More informal phrasing emphasizing the causal link with a simple outcome.

so only

A very concise way to express the same idea.

FAQs

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

Use "therefore merely" to introduce a conclusion that follows logically from a previous statement but is simple or limited in scope. For instance, "The data was inconclusive; therefore merely, we can't draw definitive conclusions."

What phrases are similar to "therefore merely"?

Alternatives include "thus simply", "hence just", or "consequently only", each conveying a slightly different nuance of straightforward consequence.

Is "therefore merely" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "therefore merely" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in academic and scientific contexts where precise logical connections are important. However, consider the specific tone and audience, as it can sometimes sound dismissive.

What's the difference between "therefore" and "therefore merely"?

"Therefore" indicates a general consequence. "Therefore merely" specifies that the consequence is simple, basic, or perhaps less significant than initially anticipated. It adds a layer of qualification to the conclusion.