a minor loss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minor loss" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or insignificant loss in various contexts, such as financial, emotional, or material situations. Example: "Although we experienced a minor loss in sales this quarter, we are still on track to meet our annual goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

A minor loss of nerve, perhaps.

The Guardian - Film

But in the midst of everything Mr. Obama is dealing with, who needs even a minor loss?

The New York Times

I went to a small police station near my house in Turin to report a minor loss.

The New Yorker

Perhaps most intriguing were the results of the test on 47 blood samples taken from people with mild cognitive impairment, a minor loss of memory that can be a precursor of Alzheimer's.

The New York Times

There are two drawbacks to the Litter-Robot: its price, $329 (litter-robot.com), and its size — 29-by-22-by-24 inches — but that is a small price and a minor loss of floor space for never having to clean a litter box again.

The New York Times - Tech

The vacuum pressure transmitted into the soil with a minor loss through the PVD length.

Geotextiles and Geomembranes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

From the most serious loss (a person kidnapped, or a soldier unaccounted for or absent without leave) to an irritating minor loss (an object is mislaid), to go missing -- always in its past tense, went, or past participle, gone -- conveys a worried, nonspecific meaning that no other word or phrase quite does.

The New York Times - Magazine

Second, the loss of a single member of a gene family may result in a relatively minor loss of the total function of the gene family, because other family members may genetically cushion the impact.

BMC Genomics

However, we believe most users will understand that: a) this minor loss of precision is an acceptable trade off for up-to-date links provided in an efficient and automatic way, and b) structures where biological activity is so crucially dependent upon tautomeric form are likely to be carefully annotated to alert the user to this subtlety.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Patients were subdivided into the three categories according to the predicted effect of their WFS1 genotype on wolframin function: 1) mutations with a predicted complete loss of function, 2) mutations with a predicted partial loss of function, and 3) mutations with a putative minor loss of function.

Diabetes Care

Thus, mean age at WSD onset was 3.7 ± 1.7 years in individuals carrying mutations with a predicted complete loss of function, 5.8 ± 2.6 years in those carrying mutations with a predicted partial loss of function, and 7.5 ± 6.0 years in individuals carrying mutations with a putative minor loss of function (Fig. 1).

Diabetes Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minor loss", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being lost and why it is considered minor. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a minor loss" when the impact is actually significant. Ensure that the adjective 'minor' accurately reflects the scale of the loss to maintain credibility and avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minor loss" functions as a noun phrase, where 'minor' is an adjective modifying the noun 'loss'. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a minor loss" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to depict a small or insignificant loss. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the 'minor' aspect is accurate to avoid misrepresentation. Alternatives like "a slight decrease" or "a small setback" offer similar meanings while varying in emphasis. Overall, "a minor loss" is a versatile phrase for conveying a sense of minimal negative impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight decrease

Focuses on the reduction aspect, quantifying the loss as a small decline.

a small setback

Emphasizes the temporary nature and impact of the loss as an obstacle.

a negligible deficit

Highlights the insignificance of the loss, portraying it as unimportant.

a marginal reduction

Stresses the minimal extent of the decrease or reduction.

a trivial forfeiture

Implies that the loss is inconsequential and easily dismissed.

a modest decline

Similar to a slight decrease, but may suggest a more gradual reduction.

a limited drawback

Indicates that the disadvantage is contained and not widespread.

a minimal sacrifice

Highlights the act of giving something up, but emphasizes its small value.

a touch of adversity

Reframes the loss as a minor challenge or hardship.

a bit of damage

Directly addresses the harm or negative impact, albeit on a small scale.

FAQs

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

You can use "a minor loss" to describe a small or insignificant loss in various contexts. For example: "Although we experienced a minor loss in sales this quarter, we are still on track to meet our annual goals."

What phrases are similar to "a minor loss"?

Alternatives to "a minor loss" include "a slight decrease", "a small setback", or "a negligible deficit".

Is "a minor loss" formal or informal?

"A minor loss" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone and audience.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a minor loss"?

It's inappropriate to use "a minor loss" when the actual impact of the loss is substantial or significant. Ensure that the term 'minor' accurately reflects the scale of the loss.