Superficial matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Superficial matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a topic or issue that lacks depth or significance. Example: "While the debate was lively, it ultimately revolved around superficial matters that did not address the core issues at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"But to me, an exercise in style is not a superficial matter — our lives are also an exercise in style".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The most conventional set-up to emerge from the PC Music movement, Kero Kero Bonito combine the collective's sickly pop sound and half-spoken, London-accented vocals, covering studiously superficial subject matter with nods to Japanese culture (The Courtyard, N1, 14 Apr).

The Guardian - Music

Similarly, despite the enjoyment he got from paying attention to superficial matters, there wasn't much place for irony in the Spencerian universe.

The New Yorker

Instead of enlightened leadership, however, Vlavianos-Arvanitis argues that global society has prioritized superficial matters, such as overconsumption, to the detriment of more serious issues; a mindset which "leads us nowhere".

Huffington Post

If you always find yourself in company that obsesses over appearance, try to change the conversation to less superficial matters.

WikiHow

It is to do on a superficial level (and superficies matter in this text) with the possibility in Tsarist Russia of owning "souls", which is how the ownership of serfs is described.

The Guardian - Books

Wang and colleagues[67] have shown that there is a difference in the miRNA repertoire between superficial white matter and overlying gray matter in humans.

Plosone

Many mono-centric plaques, often large and occasionally surrounded by "pseudo vacuoles", were present preferentially in the deep cerebral cortex and superficial white matter as well as, to a lesser extent, in the cerebellar cortex and white matter (Fig. 1B).

Plosone

The superficial gray matter is termed the pallium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Phillips, O.R. et al. The superficial white matter in Alzheimer's disease.

Nature

This may seem like a superficial, trivial matter, but it is not.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "superficial matter", ensure the context clearly indicates that the topic or detail lacks depth or significance. This prevents misinterpretation and reinforces the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "superficial matter" when the lack of depth is already apparent. Overstating the obvious can make your writing sound redundant or condescending. Instead, consider focusing on the more substantive elements of the discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "superficial matter" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'superficial' acts as an adjective modifying 'matter'. It describes a topic or issue lacking depth, as evidenced in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "superficial matter" is a phrase used to describe topics or details lacking depth or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While its occurrence is relatively rare, it appears in various contexts, from news articles to scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the lack of substance to avoid misinterpretation. Alternatives like "trivial issue" or "shallow concern" can be employed depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trivial issue

Focuses on the insignificance of the issue, highlighting its lack of importance.

shallow concern

Emphasizes the lack of depth in the concern or worry.

surface-level detail

Highlights that the information is only on the surface and not deeply explored.

frivolous subject

Suggests the subject is not serious and lacks any real value.

insignificant detail

Underscores the unimportance of the detail in question.

minor point

Indicates the point is of little consequence or relevance.

peripheral aspect

Suggests the aspect is not central or essential to the matter at hand.

glossing over

Implies a lack of thorough examination or engagement with the substance of the topic.

tangential issue

Focuses on how the issue is only marginally related to the main point.

unimportant aspect

Directly states that the aspect is not important or necessary.

FAQs

How can I use "superficial matter" in a sentence?

You can use "superficial matter" to describe topics or details that lack depth or significance. For example, "The discussion focused on "superficial matter" rather than addressing the core issue".

What are some alternatives to "superficial matter"?

Alternatives include "trivial issue", "shallow concern", or "surface-level detail". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "superficial matter"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight that something lacks depth or importance. However, be mindful of your audience and avoid using it in contexts where it might come across as dismissive or condescending.

What's the difference between "superficial matter" and "fundamental issue"?

"Superficial matter" refers to something that lacks depth or importance, while "fundamental issue" refers to a core or essential problem. One is surface-level, while the other is foundational.