merely vs only

Both 'merely' and 'only' are correct and commonly used in English. They can be used interchangeably in many contexts to indicate exclusivity or limitation. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific tone or emphasis desired in the sentence.

Last updated: April 06, 2024 • 279 views

The word 'merely' is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something is just or only what is mentioned.

"merely"

It is used to emphasize the smallness or insignificance of something, or to indicate that something is no more than what is stated.

Examples:

She was merely a child when she achieved that success.
The task was merely a formality.
He was merely trying to help.
The book was not merely entertaining but also informative.
The problem was merely a misunderstanding.

Show examples from the web [+]

I merely said a well-known director.
Your selection is merely another example of bureaucracy rewarding mediocrity.
This whole exercise merely low level of your intelligence.
This is merely a reconnaissance force.
Today American economists are merely the handmaidens of offshore producers.
Professor Hoffsteen is merely my latest identity.
And you were merely our guests.
But perhaps they merely wore Starfleet uniforms.
I merely cataloged what happens here.
I merely provide facts on personalities.
Castile until recently had been merely frontier county of León.
I merely ushered them toward redemption.
Bronn is merely a soldier following my orders.
However, most guys merely ignore these vital steps.
However, many of them are merely superficial.
They have more than merely clogged bile ducts.
Unfortunately, this is merely silver-plated brass.
You merely need more discipline and less emotion.
My actors are brilliant, I merely facilitate.
France merely provides a total figure.

Alternatives:

simply
just
only
purely
solely

The word 'only' is correct and commonly used in English to indicate exclusivity or limitation, similar to 'merely'.

"only"

It is used to indicate that there is no one or nothing else except the one mentioned, or to emphasize the singularity or uniqueness of something.

Examples:

She is the only person who knows the truth.
The store only sells organic products.
I can only stay for an hour.
He is the only one who can solve this problem.
The concert was only for invited guests.

Show examples from the web [+]

From our merchants only only the Golden Earring goes there.
Before he ate only sardines and drank only water.
She's their only only eye witness.
Retention guarantees concern only works contracts.
Alternatively, it could be a portfolio containing only assets, or only liabilities.
The only and only thing I ever truly wanted.
You're only my Beklemishev only...
No, only... only her testimony and some inconclusive medical symptoms.
Compression only formats only compress files.
The only reason you're not in prison is I have a mission only you can accomplish.
Most e-Wallets withdraws are usually only allowed only once you have depositied with that one already.
We only otshturmovatsya, height of meters two hundred only.
Some featured items may be available only in limited quantities or only while supplies last.
The only trusted way to purchase Phen375 with affordable price is only on their official website.
Shelves up to 2 nights only before the campsite möglich.Brötchenservice only 1.4.
He reached only a Theos sarkophoros as Nestorianism only an anthropos theophoros instead of the proper theandrotos.
As we all know that salaried people can enjoy monthly salary only 2-5 days only.
Sandefjord Fotball AS trades players only to a very limited extent and only with other Norwegian clubs.
Vaccination is only effective against the targeted strain and for a limited period only.
HTC is the only company which deals only in smart phones.

Alternatives:

just
solely
exclusively
simply
merely

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merely vs only

"merely"

"only"

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