a minor question

USAGE SUMMARY

'a minor question' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a question that is of little importance, or one that is less important than other questions. For example: "I have a few major questions to ask, but I also have a minor question that I don't think is as important."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

For four months he presided over the convention, breaking his silence only once upon a minor question of congressional apportionment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What's more, the fate of the border seemed like a minor question: "I remember quite vividly the feeling of unease and discomfort about the prospect of us talking about something we just didn't feel needed addressing," Norgrove wrote.

The Washington Post

"A major question mark therefore hangs over the Camborne & Redruth result". Perhaps not "major", as the 66 votes were between Conservative and Liberal, a minor "question mark" considering.

BBC

As for whether the new Roots matches the old one, that's ultimately a minor question.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Most of the remaining negotiations also were concluded, and only talks with Mexico and a relatively minor question concerning foreign ownership of insurance branch offices in China remain.

Los Angeles Times

Minor comments: The only minor question is whether individual neurons release both transmitters.

eLife

Reviewer #1 Minor Comments: I have one minor question, in their new Figure 2, they show unimodal spatial autocorrelation images of the I cells.

eLife

[Editors' note: the author responses to the re-review follow.] Reviewer #1 Minor Comments: I have one minor question, in their new Figure 2, they show unimodal spatial autocorrelation images of the I cells.

eLife

To answer a few minor questions before placing the order I phoned the site's toll-free number and spoke to Ed Augustine, who owns both the site and a bricks-and-mortar framing shop called the Gallery House in Paxtonia, Pa.

The New York Times

I have only a few minor questions.

eLife

I also have a few minor questions, listed below.

Biology Direct

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minor question", ensure that the context clearly establishes why the question is considered minor. This helps avoid misunderstandings or the impression that you are dismissing someone's concerns.

Common error

Avoid using "a minor question" to describe inquiries that may seem small but could reveal larger, more significant issues. Always consider the potential impact of even seemingly insignificant questions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minor question" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "minor" modifies the noun "question". As confirmed by Ludwig, it is used to identify a question that is not important or significant.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minor question" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote an issue of low significance. Ludwig confirms its acceptability in written English. While the phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, it also appears in scientific and encyclopedic contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the context justifies downplaying the question's importance to avoid misinterpretation. Consider alternatives like "a small issue" or "a trivial matter" to fine-tune your message. It is important to be aware that the frequency of the phrase is considered rare.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small issue

Replaces "question" with "issue", focusing on the problematic aspect rather than the inquiry.

an insignificant query

Substitutes "minor" with "insignificant" and "question" with "query", emphasizing the lack of importance in a more formal tone.

a trivial matter

Replaces the entire phrase to indicate something is unimportant or frivolous.

a slight concern

Shifts the focus to the level of worry or interest the question evokes, rather than the question itself.

a negligible inquiry

Uses more formal synonyms to convey a similar lack of importance.

a secondary consideration

Frames the question as something to think about later, implying it's less pressing.

a point of little importance

Rephrases to directly state the lack of significance.

a matter of no consequence

Expresses that the subject is not important and has no relevant effect.

a peripheral inquiry

Indicates that the question is not central to the main topic.

an inconsequential detail

Focuses on the question as a small part of a larger picture, deeming it unimportant.

FAQs

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

You can use "a minor question" to introduce a point that is less important than other issues being discussed. For example, "While we address the major concerns, let's also consider "a minor question" regarding budget allocation".

What's a synonym for "a minor question"?

Synonyms for "a minor question" include "a small issue", "an insignificant query", or "a trivial matter". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, but use it judiciously. While grammatically correct, ensure the context warrants labeling a question as "minor". In some situations, a more neutral term like "another question" might be preferable.

What's the difference between "a minor question" and "a major question"?

"A minor question" refers to an inquiry with little significance or impact, whereas "a major question" indicates a substantial issue that requires serious consideration. The distinction lies in the relative importance of the question.