a minor divergence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minor divergence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small difference or variation in opinions, ideas, or paths taken. Example: "While we generally agree on the project direction, there is a minor divergence in our approaches to implementation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But he didn't follow the now-standard political route of insisting that the disease would be nothing more than a minor divergence in his life.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The basin exhibits a relatively minor divergence between surface and bedrock topography; nevertheless, the major control that spatial variations in soil thickness exert on streamflow generation means that such variations should be considered in hydroecological monitoring and modeling studies in this landscape.

Journal of Hydrology

A likely cause for the minor divergence between both taxa is a very recent isolation of the King Island population from the modern Emu population.

Plosone

To be completely honest, I can't detect much of a difference: the overnight proven dough might be slightly lighter, but then instinct suggested to me that the first batch might have benefited from another 45 minutes or so before shaping, which might well have ironed even that minor divergence out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(2013) reveals wide variation across individual lines but relatively minor divergence from other conventional human PSC cultures.

Cell

The comparison showed that the detected correlations appeared to be significant in all three packages (with minor divergence depending on the package and method).

DNA Research

The partially different trafficking behaviors between M3-PIN3 and M3-PIN7 in the root hair cell could be due to the minor divergence in the M3 motif.

BMC Plant Biology

Compare the actual — and startlingly minor — divergences in the desired outcome in each crisis with the severe consequences for each great power of failure to address them effectively, and the absence of sustained engagement at the level of government leaders becomes inexplicable.

The New York Times

Although in principle a holist could respond to this objection by describing what sort of differences in surrounding belief create only minor divergences and what differences create major ones, there have been no influential attempts at such a project.

SEP

As long as citizens believe in a general way that their country is attempting to do good for most of the people in the world, minor divergences from these ideals are shrugged off or flat-out ignored.

HuffPost

Within these two large clusters, sequencing technology choice contributed additional, but minor, divergences (r-values 0.8 0.9).

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minor divergence", ensure the context clearly establishes the baseline or point of comparison from which the divergence occurs. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a minor divergence" when the difference is actually substantial or consequential. Ensure the adjective "minor" accurately reflects the scale of the divergence; otherwise, use stronger terms to prevent misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minor divergence" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a situation or instance where there is a small difference or variation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minor divergence" is a noun phrase denoting a small or insignificant difference. It is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in science and news media. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage for describing slight variations without significant impact. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly establishes the baseline from which the divergence occurs and accurately reflects the scale of the difference to avoid misrepresentation. Consider alternatives like ""a slight difference"" or ""a small variation"" to fine-tune your message. The phrase is suitable for neutral and professional registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight difference

Replaces "divergence" with "difference", emphasizing the small degree of variation.

a small variation

Substitutes "divergence" with "variation", highlighting the slight change or modification.

a marginal difference

Uses "marginal" to stress that the difference is barely noticeable or significant.

a minimal discrepancy

Employs "discrepancy" to denote a slight inconsistency or disagreement.

a trivial deviation

Replaces "divergence" with "deviation", indicating a small departure from a standard or norm.

a negligible variance

Uses "negligible" to underscore that the variance is so small it can be ignored.

a modest alteration

Substitutes "divergence" with "alteration", suggesting a slight change or modification.

a subtle distinction

Emphasizes that the difference is hard to notice without careful attention.

a hairline split

Uses a metaphor to illustrate a very fine and almost imperceptible division.

a fractional difference

Indicates that the difference is only a small fraction of the whole.

FAQs

What does "a minor divergence" mean?

It refers to a small or insignificant difference or variation between two or more things. It suggests that while there are differences, they are not substantial or impactful.

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

You can use it to describe slight differences in opinions, results, or paths taken. For example: "While we agree on the overall strategy, there is "a slight difference" in our implementation methods."

Which is correct: "a minor divergence" or "a major divergence"?

Both are correct, but they convey opposite meanings. "A minor divergence" indicates a small difference, while "a major divergence" signifies a significant and substantial difference.

What are some alternatives to "a minor divergence"?

Some alternatives include "a slight difference", "a small variation", or "a marginal difference". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.