a minor point

USAGE SUMMARY

"a minor point" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a point or detail that is of little significance or importance, usually within the context of a larger argument. For example, "The professor dismissed the student's idea, saying it was only a minor point and not worth considering further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it's a minor point.

The New Yorker

This might seem a minor point.

The New York Times - Books

But this is a minor point.

The New York Times - Books

This may sound like a minor point.

The New York Times

Just a minor point, but with major implications.

University of California, Berkeley

The timing of it is mostly a minor point.

The New York Times

I'll start with a minor point: the man, a Bolivian, was not an "illegal immigrant".

The Guardian - Opinion

Perhaps the missing epsilon is a minor point, but not to Smoot.

MIT Technology Review

Again, a minor point to some -- but not to the Angels.

The New York Times

However, your article contains two factual errors.The first is a minor point.

The Economist

I still think the price of those metals will go up eventually, but that's a minor point.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing criticisms, acknowledging a "minor point" can build credibility by showing you've considered all angles, even if you ultimately disagree.

Common error

Avoid using "a minor point" when the issue significantly impacts the overall argument or outcome. Doing so undermines your credibility and weakens your analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minor point" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a particular detail or issue is of little significance or importance in the context of a larger discussion. Ludwig AI shows this phrase is often used to downplay the relevance of something. Examples show it clarifying, dismissing, or contrasting with more significant factors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minor point" is a versatile phrase used to downplay the significance of a detail within a broader discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, including news, science, and business. Related phrases include "an insignificant detail" and "a trivial matter". When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the relative importance of the issue to maintain credibility. Remember, overstating the insignificance can undermine your argument. It's a handy tool for streamlining arguments, but should be wielded with care.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an insignificant detail

Emphasizes the lack of importance of the detail.

a trivial matter

Highlights the unimportance of the issue.

a negligible aspect

Focuses on the minimal impact or effect.

a small consideration

Suggests that it's something to think about, but not critical.

an inconsequential item

Indicates that the item is of little consequence.

a secondary issue

Positions the issue as less important than others.

a slight concern

Downplays the worry or problem.

a tangential element

Implies that the element is only loosely related to the main topic.

a footnote

Indicates that the point is a side note to the main argument.

a mere technicality

Presents the point as purely technical and not substantially relevant.

FAQs

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

You can use "a minor point" to introduce a detail that is not essential to the main discussion. For example, "The color scheme is different, but that's "a minor point" compared to the overall design."

What are some alternatives to saying "a minor point"?

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

When is it appropriate to use "a minor point" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a minor point" when you want to acknowledge a detail but emphasize that it doesn't significantly change the main argument or conclusion. Use it to signal that you're moving past a less important aspect.

Is "a minor point" formal or informal language?

"A minor point" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a common and widely understood phrase. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.