the use of word: 'mere' and 'trivial'

Members help members on grammar, vocab, pronunciation...

Moderator: EC

Post Reply
User avatar
pcyjhSmart
Member
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Jul 10, 2018 1:24 am
Status: Learner of English

the use of word: 'mere' and 'trivial'

Post by pcyjhSmart »

Hi, I am Korean student.

I took an English test last week.
A question is on English writing.

The answer my teacher suggested was ' No matter how trivial his action is considered, he won't stop doing."
But my answer I wrote was " No matter how mere his action is considered, he won't stop doing."

My teacher said my answer was wrong because 'mere' must be used in front of a noun grammarticaly.

But, by Googling, I found a sentence that "No matter how mere they are or how grand the view." in the novel titled "The Lady travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger".

Showing this sentence, I told my teacher my sentence is right, but she replied me I am still wrong and to bring any grammar document saying such use of 'mere' is acceptable.

Please help me.

Thank you in advance.

Jack.
User avatar
Joe
Admin/Teacher
Admin/Teacher
Posts: 1789
Joined: Thu Dec 18, 2003 6:56 am
Status: Teacher of English
Location: England

Re: the use of word: 'mere' and 'trivial'

Post by Joe »

The adjective "mere" is attributive, ie used before a noun. This is shown in good English dictionaries, and you can see it at:

http://www.learnersdictionary.com/definition/mere (US)

https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/mere (UK)

The novel you cite appears to be mimicking the language of a bygone era.
"We are not wholly bad or good, who live our lives under Milk Wood :-| " — Dylan Thomas, Under Milk Wood

eBooks: English Prepositions List | Essential Business Words | Learn English in Seven
Post Reply