a minor segment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minor segment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small or less significant part of a whole, often in contexts like analysis, reports, or discussions. Example: "In our study, we found that a minor segment of the population showed a preference for the new product."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

No one expects videoconferencing to replace more than a minor segment of business travel, though the size of that segment may be growing faster than I had thought.

The New York Times

Yet animation was only a minor segment of the computer division at Lucasfilm; a more sizable chunk was devoted to hardware — actual computers, including the Pixar Imaging Computer, an unlovely gray block that might, it was hoped, be of use in medical research.

The New Yorker

A minor segment of children with high liking and wanting for the apple juice perceived as most sour was obvious.

Food Quality and Preference

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The tree inferred for the minor segment (Figure 4A) supports a small degree of phylogenetic incongruence, but not indicative of homologous recombination of the given parental sequences, or any other sequences in this tree.

Plosone

In addition to four previously reported major segment types, several minor segment types (e.g., segment B', B") and more than 30 sequence types (e.g., ABC, ABD) were defined using our classification method.

Plosone

In addition to the four major segments originally designated, EPIYA-A, -B, -C, and –D [20], [22], we designated several minor segments, including EPIYand' and -B".

Plosone

Available geological data, however, indicate that only minor segments (the Tre Monti and Trasacco faults, both 7 km long) of the mentioned faults have to be considered active during the late Pleistocene-Holocene, as faults accommodating minor deformations inside an intermontane basin.

Geodinamica Acta

We named the minor segments according to the patterns of the sections immediately following EPIYA (Table 2).

Plosone

These incongruities were seen as minor segments of miscalled genotypes and discordant localization of recombination breakpoints.

BMC Genomics

Nevertheless, minor segments of similarity are also observed within their N-terminal half, previously implicated in binding to eIF3i [ 60].

BMC Genomics

At around the onset of head condensation, these two anterior Delta stripes resolve into a pair of major stripes coincident with the engrailed stripes of the intercalary and first maxillary segments, and a minor stripe of the intervening mandibular segment.

BMC Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a minor segment", ensure the context clearly establishes the larger whole to which the segment belongs. This provides necessary perspective and emphasizes the segment's relative insignificance.

Common error

Avoid using "a minor segment" when the portion you're describing actually has a significant impact. Assess the true relevance before using the phrase to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minor segment" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It describes a small or less significant portion of a larger whole. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a minor segment" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase to denote a small or insignificant portion of a larger entity. Predominantly found in science and news contexts, its usage ranges from neutral to formal. When writing, remember that while a small portion is described, overstating the importance should be avoided. For alternatives, consider "a small portion" or "a negligible fraction" to convey similar meanings. Ludwig's examples clearly illustrate how to effectively integrate "a minor segment" into various sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small portion

Focuses on the size of the segment, emphasizing its limited quantity.

a negligible fraction

Highlights the insignificance of the segment in relation to the whole.

a limited section

Emphasizes the restricted scope or extent of the segment.

a trivial component

Underscores the unimportance or lack of significance of the segment.

a small subset

Indicates that the segment is a smaller part of a larger, defined group.

a minimal part

Stresses the extremely small nature of the segment.

a reduced element

Implies the segment has been made smaller or is inherently small.

a fringe section

Suggests the segment is on the periphery or is marginal.

a modest amount

Focuses on the quantity being small or limited.

a secondary aspect

Indicates that the segment is of lesser importance compared to other aspects.

FAQs

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

"A minor segment" is used to describe a small or less important part of something larger. For example, "A minor segment of the population prefers this brand."

What are some alternatives to "a minor segment"?

Alternatives include "a small portion", "a negligible fraction", or "a limited section" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a minor segment"?

No, it's not always appropriate. Only use "a minor segment" when the portion truly is small and relatively unimportant in the overall context. If the segment has a significant impact, choose a different phrase.

What's the difference between "a minor segment" and "a significant segment"?

"A minor segment" refers to a small, less important part, while "a significant segment" indicates a larger, more important part. The choice depends on the actual size and importance of the portion you are describing.