a minor work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minor work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a piece of art, literature, or any creative work that is considered less significant or of lower importance compared to other works. Example: "Although it is a minor work, it still showcases the artist's unique style and creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Sometimes you look at recent reissues and think, 'Why bother with that?' " There's the hope: that a label might encounter a release like "Cubist Blues"—a minor work by all accounts—and recognize the ways in which it might satiate new, modern hungers for, say, extemporaneous emoting, while remaining savvy enough to disregard the records that do less.

The New Yorker

Catherine Breillat's inert staging of the classic folk tale is, to be generous, a minor work.

Independent

Here again, a minor work by a petit-maître multiplied the high estimate six-fold.

The New York Times - Arts

"The Interview" may be a minor work, but it is filled with major talents.

The New York Times

Its hesitancies make it seem a minor work cringing in the great one's shade.

The Guardian - Books

This is a minor work by Kiarostami, but well acted and made with eerily deliberate poise.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

The Mozart group, which included the Baroque-like Gigue in G and the great Rondo in A minor, worked better by being a little less free.

The New York Times - Arts

The Boys from Redmond previously recommended a minor work-around which may -- or may not -- protect your computer.

Huffington Post

He will slog to the end of even a turgid, minor work by a beloved author, so as not to seem ungrateful.

The New York Times - Books

Paolo Sorrentino's new movie set in a Swiss sanatorium is a diverting, minor work, tweaked up with funny ideas and images and visually as stylish as ever.

The Guardian - Film

A nice, minor work that lacks a commitment not just to its characters but also to its own reason for being.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a minor work" when you want to downplay the significance of a piece without being overly critical. It suggests the work has some value but isn't essential.

Common error

Avoid using "a minor work" when the piece is actually highly influential or significant. Ensure your assessment accurately reflects the work's true impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minor work" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It is used to classify a specific creation or endeavor as being of lesser importance or significance compared to others, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a minor work" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something of lesser significance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. While commonly used in news and media, it's essential to avoid overstating or understating the significance of the piece and to use it appropriately, as alternatives like "a secondary work" or "a small work" may be more fitting depending on the context. Ludwig's analysis helps refine its usage in different contexts, highlighting its prevalence and authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a secondary work

Indicates a work that is less important than others.

a small work

Focuses on the size or scope of the work.

a slight work

Suggests the work lacks substance or depth.

a trivial work

Emphasizes the unimportance of the work.

a marginal work

Implies the work is on the periphery and not central.

a little work

Refers to a work of smaller scale or effort.

a limited work

Highlights restrictions in scope or impact.

a lightweight work

Suggests the work is not serious or profound.

a smaller work

Focuses on physical or metaphorical size.

a lesser work

Indicates lower quality or importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a minor work" to describe something not particularly significant. For instance, "Although it's "a minor work", the film is fascinating if you're interested in Eastwood's reflections."

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

You can use alternatives like "a secondary work", "a small work", or "a lesser work" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to call something "a minor work"?

Yes, it's appropriate when you want to indicate that something is of lesser importance or significance compared to other works by the same artist or creator. Ensure your assessment is objective and avoid being overly dismissive.

What does it mean when critics describe something as "a minor work"?

It typically suggests that the piece, while possibly having merit, doesn't reach the same heights or have the same impact as the creator's more acclaimed or major works. It might lack depth, innovation, or overall significance.