a minor official

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minor official" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who holds a low-ranking position within an organization or government. Example: "The investigation revealed that a minor official had been involved in the decision-making process, but their influence was limited."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

He was a minor official, that's all.

The Guardian

Ivanov was born into the family of a minor official.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Olesha was born into the family of a minor official.

Britannica

He used the atrocity to renew an old feud with a minor official of another country.

The Washington Post

Today, he works for the Waterloo team as a minor official.

The New York Times - Sports

He seems to be a minor official, maybe a postman — he wears that sort of cap.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

On the first work day after the American bishops of the Roman Catholic Church adopted a binding policy to bar permanently from ministerial duties any priest who has abused a minor, officials in dioceses across the nation said yesterday that they were taking steps to comply with the new rules.

The New York Times

A Los Angeles Unified School District police officer surrendered to federal agents Wednesday morning after he was accused of attempting to have sex with a minor, officials said.

Los Angeles Times

Dong was a scholar and minor official who aggregated the ethical Confucian ideas of ritual, filial piety, and harmonious relationships with five phases and yin-yang cosmologies.

Wikipedia

At the king's behest, Mr Rawabdeh promised to reform the administration, fight corruption and press on with Jordan's long-delayed privatisation drive.So far, however, the anti-corruption push has netted only a few minor officials, while new appointments seem to be based not on the promised "competence, efficiency and integrity" but on birth in the prime minister's home town.

The Economist

After studying at Jena, Claudius held a series of editorial and minor official positions in Copenhagen and Darmstadt until in 1788 he acquired a sinecure in the Schleswig-Holstein bank.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minor official", ensure the context clarifies the specific organization or government the official belongs to. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid attributing significant influence or responsibility to "a minor official". The phrase implies a limited scope of authority and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minor official" functions as a noun phrase identifying an individual holding a low-ranking position. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

24%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

4%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a minor official" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe an individual holding a low-level position within an organization or government. Ludwig's analysis confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts. Its primary function is to provide context regarding an individual's status, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for formal and informal communication. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it's crucial to avoid overstating the influence or importance of "a minor official" in writing. Related phrases like "a junior officer" or "a low-level employee" can offer alternative ways to express the same concept, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a junior officer

Replaces "official" with "officer", implying a role in a hierarchical structure, often military or law enforcement.

a low-level employee

Focuses on the employee's position within a company or organization.

a small-time functionary

Emphasizes the limited power and importance of the role.

a subordinate administrator

Highlights the administrative aspect of the role and its lower rank.

a petty bureaucrat

Suggests a negative connotation, implying the official is overly concerned with rules and procedures.

a secondary authority

Focuses on the limited decision-making power of the official.

a lesser representative

Highlights the representative function, but at a lower level.

a lower-tier civil servant

Specifically refers to a government employee in a less important position.

an insignificant figure

Emphasizes the lack of importance or influence of the individual.

a marginal player

Implies the individual has little impact on the overall operations or decisions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a minor official" to describe someone with a low-ranking position within an organization or government. For example, "The decision was ultimately made by higher-ups, despite input from "a minor official"."

What are some alternatives to "a minor official"?

Alternatives include "a junior officer", "a low-level employee", or "a petty bureaucrat", depending on the context and desired nuance.

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

Yes, "a minor official" is suitable for formal writing, as it's a neutral and accurate way to describe someone's position. However, consider whether a more specific title would be more informative.

What's the difference between "a minor official" and "an executive officer"?

"A minor official" refers to someone with limited authority and responsibilities, while "an executive officer" holds a high-level position with significant decision-making power.