a minor case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minor case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation or issue that is not serious or significant in nature. Example: "The police reported that they were handling a minor case of vandalism in the neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Here's a minor case study.

The New York Times

In a minor case, like salmonella, that's going to have a very minor impact.

The New York Times

I did struggle with a minor case of graft-versus-host disease.

The New York Times

Its reputation is so phenomenal that I'll admit I was suffering from a minor case of eating stage fright.

The New York Times - Travel

But the tab can run from $250, for a minor case, to thousands for a full-blown bedbug infestation.

The New York Times

Usually, such a minor case would go unnoticed; a little test of the constitutional right to a lawyer, results unknown.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

By Sunday afternoon the biggest acquisition announced was HBO's purchase of domestic rights to the documentary "Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired," Marina Zenovich's re-examination of the sex-with-a-minor case that led to the filmmaker's flight from the United States to avoid jail.

The New York Times

He and his partner, Miles Archer Jerome Cowann), are hired for a large sum of money by a mysterious Miss Wonderly Mary Astorr) for a seemingly minor case: to help her trail a man, Floyd Thursby, who allegedly has disappeared with her younger sister.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His case became a minor cause celebre and he was offered places, and employment, by other art schools.

The Guardian - Arts

Ruling on a relatively minor case from Missouri, a majority of six justices reaffirmed the hair-split that permits limits on contributions.

The New York Times - Magazine

One company, which required a physical exam, turned her down twice because of a relatively minor case of osteoarthritis in her right knee.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a minor case", ensure the context clearly indicates the issue's lack of significant impact or importance. This helps avoid misinterpretations and sets the right expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "a minor case" when the situation involves potentially serious consequences or requires immediate attention. Overstating its insignificance can lead to negligence or a delayed response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minor case" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It classifies a specific instance or situation as being of low significance or severity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a minor case" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a situation that is not serious or significant. As Ludwig AI points out, it is generally considered correct. Its primary function is to de-emphasize the importance of the situation, often appearing in news reports, scientific articles, and general discussions. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the context truly reflects the issue's low impact to avoid misinterpretations. Alternative phrases such as "a trivial instance" or "a slight situation" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trivial instance

Replaces "case" with "instance" and "minor" with "trivial", indicating something of little importance.

a slight situation

Substitutes "case" with "situation" and "minor" with "slight", suggesting a less formal and less serious circumstance.

a negligible matter

Uses "matter" instead of "case" and "negligible" instead of "minor", implying something that can be easily disregarded.

a small concern

Replaces "case" with "concern" and "minor" with "small", focusing on the aspect of worry or attention required.

a petty affair

Swaps "case" for "affair" and "minor" for "petty", suggesting something insignificant and often personal.

an inconsequential event

Replaces the phrase with "an inconsequential event", highlighting the lack of importance of the incident.

a light occurrence

Substitutes with "a light occurrence", suggesting something that happened with minimal impact.

a subordinate issue

Uses "issue" in place of "case" and "subordinate" instead of "minor", emphasizing the lower priority of the problem.

a secondary consideration

Replaces the phrase with "a secondary consideration", indicating that it is not the most important factor.

a superficial problem

Substitutes "case" with "problem" and "minor" with "superficial", denoting a problem that is not deep or serious.

FAQs

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

You can use "a minor case" to describe a situation or legal matter that is not serious. For example, "The police dismissed it as "a minor case" of vandalism".

What's the difference between "a minor case" and "a trivial matter"?

"A minor case" typically refers to a specific incident or situation, often in a legal or medical context, while "a trivial matter" describes something of little importance in general.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a minor case"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a slight situation", "a small concern", or "a negligible matter".

Is it appropriate to use "a minor case" in formal writing?

Yes, ""a minor case"" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing legal, medical, or official situations. However, ensure the tone remains objective and unbiased.