to merely conduct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to merely conduct" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize that the action of conducting is done in a simple or minimal manner, often implying that there is more to be done or considered. Example: "The committee's role is not to merely conduct the meeting, but to foster meaningful discussions among the participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The level of our involvement has waxed and waned, from having over a hundred thousand soldiers on the battlefield to merely conducting drone strikes from above.

Huffington Post

To achieve this end, regulation must prohibit not merely conduct that is wrongful in itself (in lawyers' Latin, malum in se), but any conduct that would thwart the overall regulatory scheme even when it is not wrongful in itself (malum prohibitum).

Forbes

In today's attackerese, the United States did not merely conduct a raid, mount an attack or deliver a blow to the Qaddafi forces in Libya.

The New York Times - Magazine

This approach leads to a focused analytical plan to address specific knowledge gaps, rather than merely conducting a wide array of studies, as suggested by Strandberg et al. [ 39].

Biotechnology for Biofuels

Hips twitching, toes tapping, hands slicing the air, she does not merely conduct the music.

The New York Times

Our interviews also suggest that merely conducting and publishing more scientific studies will not lead to significant improvements in restoration practice; direct, collaborative involvement between scientists, managers, and practitioners is required for forward progress in the science and application of river restoration.

Duke University

Universities were reconstituted and organized, and they undertook teaching instead of merely conducting examinations for degrees.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Congregation for the Causes of Saints – which oversees the canonisation process – should be seen as merely conducting a Vatican X Factor.

The Guardian - Opinion

Top-of-the-line marketing might mean a broker holds a series of open houses, rather than one; or hires a chamber music quartet and serves hors d'oeuvres, rather than merely conducting the usual -- "Here's the kitchen, here's the bathroom" -- tour.

The New York Times

Objectively measuring ground conditions is more expensive and time-consuming than merely conducting observations and is not possible in all studies.

Injury Epidemiology

In a trial, evidence of merely conducting a risk-benefit analysis of a new product can damage a company's defense.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to merely conduct" when you want to downplay the extent or thoroughness of an action, suggesting it's performed in a minimal or routine manner. This can highlight the need for further or more in-depth engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "to merely conduct" when the action actually requires significant effort or complexity. This can create a misleading impression of the task's demands and undermine the credibility of your description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to merely conduct" functions as an infinitive phrase that modifies a verb, often expressing purpose or intention. It indicates that an action is performed in a basic or minimal manner. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to merely conduct" is grammatically correct and serves to express the limited or basic execution of an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to imply a lack of thoroughness or a need for more in-depth engagement. While examples are currently unavailable, the phrase is suitable for a neutral register and can be used across various contexts to convey that an action is performed in a minimal or routine way. Remember to avoid using it when the action involves significant complexity, as this can misrepresent the effort required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to simply conduct

Emphasizes the simplicity of the action being performed.

to just conduct

Highlights the straightforward nature of the action.

to only conduct

Focuses on the limitations of the action, implying nothing more is done.

to basically conduct

Suggests the action is done in a fundamental or rudimentary way.

to superficially conduct

Implies the action lacks depth or thoroughness.

to routinely conduct

Indicates the action is performed as a standard procedure without significant effort.

to perfunctorily conduct

Emphasizes the lack of enthusiasm or interest in performing the action.

to nominally conduct

Suggests the action is done in name only, without real substance.

to formally conduct

Highlights that the action meets bare minimum formality requirements.

to technically conduct

Indicates the action fulfills the basic requirements, but lacks genuine engagement.

FAQs

How can I use "to merely conduct" in a sentence?

You can use "to merely conduct" to indicate that an action is performed in a basic or minimal way, often implying that more could or should be done. For instance: "The training program seemed to merely conduct a superficial overview of the software, leaving many employees confused."

What are some alternatives to "to merely conduct"?

Alternatives include "to simply carry out", "to just perform", or "to only execute", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "to merely conduct"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase combines an infinitive marker ("to"), an adverb ("merely"), and a verb ("conduct") in a standard and acceptable construction.

What's the difference between "to merely conduct" and "to thoroughly conduct"?

"To merely conduct" implies a minimal effort or a basic level of execution, while "to thoroughly conduct" suggests a comprehensive and detailed approach. The key difference lies in the degree of effort and attention given to the action.