a minor

USAGE SUMMARY

"a minor" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase is typically used to describe the age of someone who is not yet of the legal age. For example, "The store requires all customers who are a minor to be accompanied by an adult."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm a minor".

The New York Times

First, a minor quibble.

The New Yorker

"It's a minor second".

The New Yorker

In all, a minor triumph.

The New Yorker

It is a minor miracle.

The Economist

was celebrating a minor victory.

The New Yorker

It became a minor sensation.

The New York Times

But it's a minor quibble.

Independent

Here's a minor case study.

The New York Times

Kyle became a minor celebrity.

The New Yorker

This was a minor annoyance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minor" to describe a person, ensure the context is appropriate and doesn't violate privacy or ethical considerations. For instance, avoid revealing someone's minor status without necessity or consent.

Common error

Avoid using "a minor" in highly formal or legal documents when referring to a young person. More precise terms like "under the age of majority" or "a juvenile" are often preferable for clarity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minor" primarily functions as a pre-modifying adjective followed by a noun. It modifies the noun to indicate something of lesser importance, size, or degree. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is commonly used, appearing frequently in News & Media. For example, "a minor setback" or "a minor issue".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a minor" is a grammatically correct and versatile construction commonly used to denote something of lesser importance, size, or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its broad usability, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, more precise terms might be preferable in formal or legal settings. When referring to people, exercise sensitivity. Overall, it's a practical phrase with numerous applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small matter

Emphasizes the insignificance of the issue.

a slight issue

Highlights the minimal impact or concern caused.

a trivial detail

Focuses on the unimportance of a specific element.

a lesser concern

Indicates reduced worry or importance.

a secondary point

Positions the item as less crucial in a discussion.

a negligible factor

Highlights the very small influence or effect.

a reduced scale

Implies a smaller size or scope.

a smaller version

Suggests a diminutive or less significant iteration.

a diminutive form

Implies something is much smaller than normal.

a subordinate role

Specifies a less important position or function.

FAQs

How can I use "a minor" in a sentence?

You can use "a minor" to describe something of lesser importance, as in "It's "a minor setback"". Alternatively, it refers to a person under the legal age of adulthood, such as "The store requires all customers who are "a minor" to be accompanied by an adult".

What's the difference between "a minor" and "a small"?

"A minor" implies something is lesser in importance or significance, while "a small" usually refers to physical size or quantity. For instance, "a minor issue" is not as important as a major one, whereas "a small house" is reduced in size.

What can I say instead of "a minor" when referring to a young person?

Depending on the context, you can use terms like "a youth", "an adolescent", "a teenager", or "an underage person" to avoid being too direct or potentially insensitive.

Is it always appropriate to use "a minor" to describe a young person?

No, it is not always appropriate. In formal or legal contexts, it's better to use phrases like "under the age of majority" or "a juvenile". In casual contexts, it might be acceptable, but always consider the sensitivity and privacy implications.