a minor example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minor example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small or less significant instance that illustrates a point or concept. Example: "In discussing the impact of climate change, a minor example would be the increase in local temperatures over the past decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

To take a minor example: There are all too many dances to Arvo Pärt music, but Mr. Taylor's "Uncommitted" alone investigates Mr. Pärt's range of tone and structural variety.

The New York Times - Arts

A minor example of this lie-detecting crops up in an enjoyably vicious essay here on Hillary Clinton, who on meeting Sir Edmund Hillary informed him that her mother had named her after him (Clinton was six when Hillary climbed Everest in 1953).

The Guardian - Books

To take a minor example: Americans now suffer a minor inconvenience getting on a plane, but non-Americans, and especially people from the Arab and Islamic world, can travel here at all only with great difficulty, and risk humiliating treatment once they arrive.

The New York Times

A 21-cannon salute then thundered across the blue-gray skies over Omaha Beach, a minor example of the deafening sound of bombs and gunfire that shook the countryside on that June morning 65 years ago.

Huffington Post

So, the story here, I guess, is we have some measure of karmic backlash against a terrible idea that was executed with a minor example of the incompetence we've come to expect from the RNC these days.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Ours was a very minor example of what my people face every day.

The New York Times

"I would say that I am a very minor example in the greater picture, because there are people who are much more involved with raising funds," Tymtchenko tells me by Skype.

TechCrunch

Dada and Surrealism, the primary and most consequential innovations of the period, are relegated to a few minor examples.

The New York Times

In the most minor example, start typing a Twitter hashtag for #feminism right now and you'll find yourself prompted with auto suggestions such as FeminismisAwful and FeministsAreUgly.

TechCrunch

Use a chords related minor or major for example: C majors related minor would be an A minor.

WikiHow

One more minor example that has popped up as of late that reflects a product built by a predominantly male culture, is the lack of consideration for women's health needs following the introduction of Apple's HealthKit.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a minor example" to smoothly introduce a less important case that supports a larger argument or point.

Common error

Avoid using "a minor example" if the instance is actually crucial to your argument. This can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minor example" functions as an introductory phrase. It signals that the subsequent information is a less significant instance used to illustrate a broader point or concept, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minor example" is a phrase used to introduce a less significant case to illustrate a broader point. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in news and scientific contexts. Alternatives include "a small instance" or "a trivial illustration". While appropriate for formal writing, ensure the example genuinely holds less significance to maintain credibility. Being mindful of these points will ensure effective and nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lesser illustration

Replaces "minor" with "lesser", keeping the same meaning of reduced significance.

a small instance

Replaces "example" with "instance", emphasizing the specific occurrence.

a secondary instance

Indicates the example is not the primary or most important one.

a trivial illustration

Substitutes "minor example" with a term emphasizing the insignificance of the example.

a simple case

Highlights the uncomplicated nature of the example.

a slight case

Uses "case" instead of "example", suggesting a particular situation.

a diluted form

Implies the example is a weaker or less intense version.

a limited demonstration

Emphasizes the constrained or narrow scope of the example.

a miniature depiction

Suggests the example is a scaled-down representation.

a slim taste

Uses "taste" metaphorically to indicate a small sample or introduction.

FAQs

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

Use "a minor example" to introduce a smaller, less significant case that illustrates a broader point or concept. For instance: "In discussing the challenges of project management, "a minor example" would be a delay in a single task." This indicates that while this specific delay is not critical, it still contributes to larger management challenges.

What are some alternatives to "a minor example"?

Alternatives include "a small instance", "a trivial illustration", or "a slight case" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, it is appropriate, but ensure the "minor example" is genuinely less significant than the primary focus of your discussion. Overusing it can dilute the impact of your argument.

How does "a minor example" differ from "a major example"?

"A minor example" refers to a less important or significant instance used for illustration, while "a major example" highlights a crucial or highly impactful case. The choice depends on the weight and relevance of the example to your overall point.