1
Core relationship
Reduce something to merely the description that follows, denying greater importance or complexity.
Example
The apparent trend was nothing more than a sampling error.
nothing more than
/ˈnʌθɪŋ mɔː ðæn/ · NUTH-ing mor thanlimiting-degree phrase
Reduce something to merely the description that follows, denying greater importance or complexity.
Use nothing more than to express this relationship precisely: reduce something to merely the description that follows, denying greater importance or complexity.
What nothing more than Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Noun-phrase frame
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
Without evidence, the claim is nothing more than speculation.
3
Analytical use
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
The revision amounts to nothing more than a change in terminology.
Use nothing more than Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The apparent trend was nothing more than a sampling error.
Without evidence, the claim is nothing more than speculation.
The revision amounts to nothing more than a change in terminology.
Precision Matters
Nothing more than overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
nothing more than
vs.Means reduce something to merely the description that follows, denying greater importance or complexity.
no less than
Means emphasise that an amount or degree is as great as the stated figure.
nothing more than
vs.Means reduce something to merely the description that follows, denying greater importance or complexity.
in effect
Means state what something amounts to in practice or restate its essential implication.
nothing more than
vs.Means reduce something to merely the description that follows, denying greater importance or complexity.
at least
Means not less than a stated minimum; or in any case, used to identify a limited positive point.
nothing more than
vs.Means reduce something to merely the description that follows, denying greater importance or complexity.
in large part
Means mostly or to a substantial extent, though not necessarily entirely.
Test nothing more than in Context
The phrase limits the explanation to merely a conjecture.
1
Without supporting data, the dramatic explanation is ___ an appealing conjecture.