can merely be vs can be merely

Both "can merely be" and "can be merely" are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "Can merely be" is more commonly used and emphasizes the limited extent or possibility of something happening. On the other hand, "can be merely" is less common and typically used to emphasize the adverb "merely" in a sentence.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 1267 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize the limited extent or possibility of something happening.

"can merely be"

This phrase is used to convey that something can only happen to a small degree or extent. It emphasizes the restricted nature of the action or state being described.

Examples:

The problem can merely be solved by upgrading the software.
Her success can merely be attributed to hard work and dedication.
The issue can merely be a misunderstanding between the two parties.
The decision can merely be delayed, not avoided.
His reaction can merely be described as shock.

Show examples from the web [+]

Nor can we understand how Parliament can merely be a passive spectator in this and in other matters.
Assumptions are of two types: 1) those verifiable or falsifiable; and 2) those based on presuppositions about reality but not open to physical testing - as such, these can merely be stated at the outset.
But even if I did, I swore an oath of my own that when I put on this robe, I'd base my decisions on what can be proven over what can merely be believed.
The wage worker can merely be hired.
Offences against human rights can never be merely a matter of a country's internal affairs.
According to the ECJ, absolute impossibility can however not be merely supposed.
Not all of these things can be resolved merely with money and donations.
Other options can be found merely by searching "nausea treatments."
Setting a high level of consumer protection throughout the EU can be good, or it can be merely grandiloquent.
Because this so-called negativity is nothing but the abstract, empty form of that real living act, its content can in consequence be merely a formal content produced by abstraction from all content.
This object, which can be even merely ideal, should have a tangible and concrete manifestation that could be named law, which restricts the reach of the object.
We do not believe that these measures can be seen merely as technical ones: they are measures that have a direct impact on human rights and on privacy.
The report of the visit underlined that 'the detention of EU citizens at detention centres for third-country nationals who are illegal immigrants seems shocking and disproportionate, particularly if it is true that it can be imposed merely because a simple administrative violation has been committed.
What value - beyond the merely historiographical - can there be in raising again that most marginal question which, above all, is thought to have been settled long ago: whether or not Nietzsche had knowledge of Stirner's The Ego and Its Own?
Roadside inspections of commercial vehicles should merely be complementary to periodic testing.
But these are few suggestions in which we can merely co-participate.
The puppeteer's voice need not merely be the record of man.
The Bilderberg conference cannot merely be described as 'civil society'.
This would merely be protectionism by the back door.
The so-called astronaut... would merely be a redundant component.

Alternatives:

can only be
can simply be
can just be
can barely be
can scarcely be

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English. It is typically used to emphasize the adverb "merely" in a sentence.

"can be merely "

This phrase is used to place emphasis on the adverb "merely" in a sentence, indicating that something is only of a certain nature or degree.

Examples:

The project can be merely a stepping stone to greater achievements.
His words can be merely a reflection of his inner thoughts.
The gesture can be merely a formality, not a genuine expression of gratitude.
The painting can be merely a copy of the original masterpiece.
Her actions can be merely a response to external pressures.

Show examples from the web [+]

Setting a high level of consumer protection throughout the EU can be good, or it can be merely grandiloquent.
Offences against human rights can never be merely a matter of a country's internal affairs.
According to the ECJ, absolute impossibility can however not be merely supposed.
Not all of these things can be resolved merely with money and donations.
Other options can be found merely by searching "nausea treatments."
Nor can we understand how Parliament can merely be a passive spectator in this and in other matters.
Fourthly, I find it difficult to imagine that the fund can be operated effectively merely by cooperation between the Union and international financial institutions.
The question of employment can certainly not be seen merely in the UK context.
Because this so-called negativity is nothing but the abstract, empty form of that real living act, its content can in consequence be merely a formal content produced by abstraction from all content.
One does not make Christians, as members of other religions can be made, by merely generating them.
This object, which can be even merely ideal, should have a tangible and concrete manifestation that could be named law, which restricts the reach of the object.
We do not believe that these measures can be seen merely as technical ones: they are measures that have a direct impact on human rights and on privacy.
During your stay you will most likely encounter any of the wild animals that inhabit Bohinj. Some can be observed by merely watching the surrounding area closely or go animal-watching with an experienced guide, since some species are true masters of disguise.
Who can be persuaded that discussions merely concern a 'quasi-accession'?
Always remember, however, that the Lord's call can never be understood in merely human terms; it is a mystery, the work of the Holy Spirit.
We should therefore be pleased about this and hope that this work continues, so that cases of fraud can be reduced rather than merely stabilised.
Europe can no longer be seen merely as a great pool of financial resources for resolving economic, social and infrastructural problems but as an institution to which everyone must offer an original contribution in order to establish a policy built on shared values.
Assumptions are of two types: 1) those verifiable or falsifiable; and 2) those based on presuppositions about reality but not open to physical testing - as such, these can merely be stated at the outset.
All these barriers that we build can be knocked down merely by a smile, an embrace, a caress, a shake-hand: all you have to do is to desire it.
But even if I did, I swore an oath of my own that when I put on this robe, I'd base my decisions on what can be proven over what can merely be believed.

Alternatives:

can simply be
can only be
can just be
can barely be
can scarcely be

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can merely be vs can be merely

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