a minor matter

USAGE SUMMARY

"a minor matter" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe an issue or problem that is small or insignificant. For example: "The dispute between the two neighbors was quickly resolved--it was only a minor matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A party platform is a minor matter.

The Guardian - Opinion

I don't think it's a minor matter.

The New York Times

This is not a minor matter.

The New York Times

10 GUIDANCE COUNSELOR How much does a minor matter?

The New York Times

For these players overtricks will be a minor matter.

The New York Times - Arts

Set against those, the freedom of The Economist's editor may seem a minor matter.

The Economist

However, an agent who has no link to SFX said it was not a minor matter.

The New York Times - Sports

He laughed, as if such a failure of the basics of sportscasting were a minor matter.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"The lying was essentially the consequences of what seemed to be a relatively minor matter a long time ago, and I knew that they were so disproportionate, that you say 'this is something that you are going to try to get out of it'," he said during an interview on BBC2's Newsnight.

The Guardian

But that is a comparatively minor matter.

The Guardian

As Cohen-Setton says, however, it's really a fairly minor matter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a minor matter" when you want to downplay the importance of something without completely dismissing it. It acknowledges the issue exists but isn't critical.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice when describing why something is "a minor matter". Instead of saying "The issue was considered a minor matter", try "They considered the issue a minor matter" for a more direct and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minor matter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes something of little importance. Examples from Ludwig illustrate it being used to downplay concerns or issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minor matter" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something of little significance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, the phrase serves to downplay concerns and provide perspective. Related phrases include "an insignificant detail" and "a trivial concern". When using this phrase, be mindful of overusing passive voice and ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality. The phrase strikes a neutral register, making it a versatile choice for various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small thing

A very common and simple way to express something unimportant.

an insignificant detail

Focuses on the lack of importance of a specific detail.

of little importance

Directly states the lack of significance.

a trivial concern

Highlights that the issue is not worth worrying about.

a non-issue

Indicates that something should not even be considered a problem.

not a big deal

An informal way of saying something is not serious or problematic.

a negligible issue

Emphasizes the issue's minimal impact or effect.

a petty problem

Suggests the problem is small and often irritating.

a trifling matter

Indicates something of little consequence or value.

something inconsequential

Focuses on the lack of significant results or effects.

FAQs

How to use "a minor matter" in a sentence?

"A minor matter" is used to describe something that is not very important or significant. For example, "The delay was "a minor matter" compared to the overall success of the project."

What can I say instead of "a minor matter"?

You can use alternatives like "an insignificant detail", "a trivial concern", or "a negligible issue" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a minor matter"?

It's appropriate to use "a minor matter" when you want to indicate that something is not a cause for serious concern or alarm, and doesn't require significant attention or resources.

Is "a minor matter" formal or informal language?

"A minor matter" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "an insignificant detail" might be preferred in highly formal settings.