a minor deduction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minor deduction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small or insignificant reduction in something, such as a score, amount, or value. Example: "After reviewing the test results, the teacher decided to apply a minor deduction for the late submission of the assignment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Yagudin won $30,000 for the victory, which came despite a minor deduction for doing one more than the eight allowed triple jumps.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Only those with no deductions at all, even for a minor reprimand, are allowed to go on an end-of-term trip.

The Guardian

All we need is a source of water and fencing (not a minor consideration, since cattle can walk right through most fences, and you'd hardly want to see your ag deduction strolling down the road) and water.

The New Yorker

"I'm a minor".

The New York Times

First, a minor quibble.

The New Yorker

This was a minor annoyance.

The New York Times

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

It is not a "minor".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minor deduction", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced and why. For example, "The team received a minor deduction in points due to a small rule infraction".

Common error

Avoid using "a minor deduction" when the reduction is actually substantial. This can mislead your audience and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minor deduction" functions as a noun phrase where "minor" modifies the noun "deduction". Ludwig examples show it describing small reductions in various contexts, affirming its role in quantifying the extent of a reduction.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minor deduction" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to describe a small or insignificant reduction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While its frequency is relatively rare, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using "a minor deduction", ensure the scale of the reduction is indeed small to avoid misleading your audience. Consider alternatives like ""a slight reduction"" or ""a small decrease"" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight reduction

Emphasizes the small scale of the reduction.

a small decrease

Focuses on the decrease in quantity or value being minimal.

a negligible cut

Highlights that the reduction is so small as to be almost unimportant.

a trivial subtraction

Implies the deduction is insignificant and of little consequence.

a minimal markdown

Suggests a small reduction in price or value.

a fractional discount

Indicates a very small percentage-based reduction.

a petty abatement

Conveys a small lessening or reduction, often in the context of taxes or fees.

a hairline adjustment

Emphasizes the precision and small size of the adjustment downward.

a modest curtailment

Implies a limited and restrained reduction.

a tiny diminishment

Stresses the extremely small nature of the decrease.

FAQs

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

You can use "a minor deduction" to describe a small reduction in a score, amount, or value. For example: "The athlete received "a minor deduction" for a technical error".

What are some alternatives to "a minor deduction"?

Alternatives include "a slight reduction", "a small decrease", or "a negligible cut", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a minor deduction" is appropriate for formal writing as long as the context calls for describing a small or insignificant reduction. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and tone than on the phrase itself.

What's the difference between "a minor deduction" and "a major deduction"?

"A minor deduction" refers to a small or insignificant reduction, while "a major deduction" implies a substantial or significant reduction. The choice depends on the actual scale of the deduction being described.