a mere technicality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mere technicality" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is considered of minor importance or only a detail, usually in a legal context. For example: "She was acquitted of the crime despite what seemed to be incriminating evidence - it was a mere technicality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Upcoming national elections are a mere technicality.

The Economist

This is not a mere technicality.

The New York Times

It's as if tax increases were a mere technicality in any deficit-reduction plan.

The New York Times

All told, Molière's authorship is a mere technicality; few have cared about this play for centuries.

The New York Times

We were now parishioners, a mere technicality, since we never attended church.

The New York Times

Reaching an agreement on the final bill, however, is far from a mere technicality.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Again, we simply don't care, because the opinion piece Warren Buffett wrote for the New York Times this week was so good that it transcended any mere technicalities.

Huffington Post

That is no mere technicality, and the annual sessions of the 53-country commission are highly politicised.

The Economist

That's no mere technicality: when it comes to charity, even the best intentions can easily go astray.

The New York Times - Magazine

The government's regulations enforcing economic sanctions could be portrayed as mere technicalities, a reflection of the long-standing antipathy between the United States and Iran and Cuba that have been foisted on the banking system.

The New York Times

Others say that the differences are not mere technicalities, and that a flawed trial would do far more harm than good.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mere technicality" when you want to downplay the importance of something that might appear significant on the surface, especially in legal, bureaucratic, or formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a mere technicality" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound dismissive or condescending. Consider alternative phrases like "a minor detail" or "a trivial matter" to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mere technicality" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes something considered a minor detail or insignificant point, especially in legal or formal contexts. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mere technicality" is a phrase used to diminish the significance of a particular detail, often in formal settings like legal or bureaucratic discussions. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It is important to use this phrase judiciously, as overuse might imply condescension. Related terms include "a minor detail" or "a trivial matter". The phrase is prevalent in news and media, offering a neutral yet sometimes dismissive perspective on specific issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor detail

Focuses on the smallness or unimportance of the item.

an insignificant point

Highlights the lack of significance or consequence.

a trivial matter

Emphasizes the lack of seriousness or importance.

a negligible aspect

Underlines how something can be disregarded due to its size.

simply a formality

Indicates adherence to rules without real substance.

just a procedural issue

Specifically frames the item as related to procedure more than substance.

a moot point

Suggests the issue is no longer relevant or practical.

of little consequence

Stresses the minimal impact or result of something.

hardly material

Implies the point is not relevant or pertinent.

a distinction without a difference

Points out that despite apparent differences, there is no practical effect.

FAQs

How can I use "a mere technicality" in a sentence?

You can use "a mere technicality" to describe something that is technically true but not really important. For example, "The contract was approved despite a mere technicality in the wording".

What's the difference between "a mere technicality" and "a simple formality"?

"A mere technicality" suggests that something is a minor detail or insignificant, while "a simple formality" implies something is a required procedure that lacks real substance. A technicality might be an error, while a formality is usually a planned step.

What are some situations where it's appropriate to use "a mere technicality"?

It's appropriate to use "a mere technicality" when discussing legal issues, bureaucratic processes, or situations where something appears important but is essentially insignificant. Consider using it when something is technically correct, but practically irrelevant.

Is it okay to use "a mere technicality" in formal writing?

Yes, it's acceptable in formal writing, especially when discussing legal or procedural matters. However, be mindful of the tone, as it can come across as dismissive. Consider the context to ensure it aligns with the overall goal.