to merely remember

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to merely remember" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing the simplicity or minimal effort involved in the act of remembering something. Example: "In this fast-paced world, we often find it challenging to merely remember the small details of our daily lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We'll have to merely remember the nervous scrape of the batsman's spikes as he shuffled back and across to some outrageous lifter or the thwack of another ball flying high towards third man.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But apparently, she's going to do so without any explanation to the jury which means that they will probably merely remember the sum and not the particulars of Mr. Arneson's disastrous cross-examination testimony.

HuffPost

He need merely remember his own campaign promises from 2008, or the need to ensure accountability for documented recent violations by federal agencies, or alternatively the oath of office he adopted again this week.

Huffington Post

Actually, you needn't imagine – merely remember the meltdown of 2008.

The Guardian - Opinion

We do not laud and revere Curtis's "great technique", we merely remember the moments of his performance our entire lives.

The Guardian - Film

Sufferers do not merely remember their trauma; they re-experience it emotionally in the form of involuntary, distressing thoughts; nightmares about the trauma; and sudden sensory "flashbacks" of sights, sounds and odours that produce the illusion that it is happening once again.

The Guardian - Opinion

These two may well not deserve gold medals; they merely remembered, in that adagio, to dance.

The New York Times - Arts

Today, in fact, the 1994 production is merely remembered as a footnote to the O.J. Simpson murder trial, because it starred none other than Simpson himself.

Los Angeles Times

In fact, according to Seneca, a beneficiary who forgets a benefit is "the worst and most ungrateful" of beneficiaries perhaps because merely remembering a benefit is the easiest part of being grateful (Seneca On Benefits: III.5.2).

SEP

Miliband merely remembers it was on at a disco, once.

The Guardian - Music

He'll sing Somewhere Over The Rainbow, then stretch his arms out wide and cry, 'Judy Garland!' as if merely remembering her were a triumph in itself.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to merely remember" when you want to emphasize the simplicity of recalling something, suggesting that no further action or effort is required beyond the act of remembering itself.

Common error

Avoid using "to merely remember" when the act of remembering carries significant weight or complexity. This phrase is best suited for situations where the memory aspect is simple and straightforward, not when it involves deep reflection or critical analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to merely remember" functions as an infinitive phrase that modifies a verb or clause. It indicates a purpose or condition related to the act of remembering, often highlighting its simplicity or sufficiency in a given context. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to merely remember" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the simplicity and sufficiency of the act of remembering. As Ludwig AI confirms, the structure is valid and the phrase is usable in written English. It's best employed when contrasting the act of remembering with more complex actions or requirements. While relatively rare in usage, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the act of remembering is indeed the sole or primary focus, and that no additional complexities or efforts are implied. Alternatives like "simply to recall" or "just to remember" can provide similar emphasis with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Simply to recall

Focuses on the act of recalling with simplicity as the primary attribute, rather than remembering in a more general sense.

Just to remember

Emphasizes the bare minimum action of remembering, with 'just' highlighting the minimal effort required.

Only to remember

Highlights that the sole action needed is remembering, excluding any additional steps or complexities.

Merely recalling

Uses the gerund form to put emphasis on the action of recalling, simplifying the necessary action.

To simply remember

Changes the adverb's position, emphasizing the act of remembering in a straightforward manner.

To just recollect

Replaces 'remember' with 'recollect', suggesting a more conscious or deliberate act of bringing something back to mind.

To only retain

Focuses on the aspect of retaining information, emphasizing the act of keeping something in memory rather than retrieval.

To plainly remember

Uses 'plainly' to emphasize the clarity and lack of complexity in the act of remembering.

To solely remember

Emphasizes that the act of remembering is the only thing needed, excluding any other consideration or action.

Just to retain

Combines 'just' with 'retain' to express the minimal action of holding something in memory.

FAQs

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

You can use "to merely remember" when you want to emphasize the simplicity of recalling something. For example, "We don't need to analyze the data; we need "to merely remember" the key findings."

What are some alternatives to "to merely remember"?

Some alternatives include "simply to recall", "just to remember", or "only to remember". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "to merely remember"?

While it's grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "to merely remember" can sound awkward. It's usually better to integrate the phrase into a clause. For example, instead of "To merely remember is not enough," try "It's not enough "to merely remember"."

What's the difference between "to merely remember" and "to simply recall"?

While both phrases emphasize the act of remembering, "to merely remember" focuses on the lack of additional actions needed, while "to simply recall" highlights the straightforward nature of the recalling process.