a minute thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minute thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is small, insignificant, or trivial in nature. Example: "While the project was important, the missing detail was just a minute thing that could be easily fixed later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In a world of brute, pandemic excess, self-knowledge is a minute thing, but a grace.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If you haven't been in Miami in a minute, things have changed.

Huffington Post

For a minute things seemed to get really weighed down with the whole syncing thing.

Vice

So, it's frustrating, it takes a whole day to do a 15 minute thing!" (Male participant (KA2), Kalgoorlie)" "". it [travelling to Perth] still means time off for my husband who has got to take leave [from work].

BMC Health Services Research

I thought the £30 (or £35 by the time fees were taken in to account) was a little steep, and it was poorly advertised, even if it was a last minute thing to switch it to Derby.

BBC

"It was kind of a last minute thing, so I didn't have much time to talk to him before we brought him out.

Huffington Post

But in a city that changes in a New York minute, things have to be updated.

The New York Times

"We were at least 40 miles away, and in less than a minute this thing was already at our cap point," Commander Fravor, who has since retired from the Navy, said in the interview.

The New York Times

"There's a piece he does, a 15-minute thing called 'Haitian Fight Song', and I've rediscovered it after many years.

The Guardian - Books

In a normal situation, this would be a 10-minute thing.

The Guardian

They are willing to have real conversations about real issues, and while there might be a "Real Housewives" episode playing in the background, her mind is still going a mile a minute about things that really matter.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a minute thing" to downplay the importance of something without dismissing it entirely. This approach is useful in contexts where acknowledging a detail is necessary but shouldn't overshadow the main subject.

Common error

Avoid using "a minute thing" when the subject is genuinely significant. Overusing this phrase can diminish the real importance of critical aspects, misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minute thing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object to describe something of little importance or short duration. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minute thing" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that is small or insignificant. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to use it appropriately to avoid downplaying genuinely important issues. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, this phrase can be a useful tool to simplify explanations or reduce concerns. However, remember that being mindful of your audience and the gravity of the subject matter is critical. Consider substituting "a minute thing" with "a trivial matter" or "a minor detail" in formal settings to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trivial matter

Focuses on the insignificance of the issue.

a minor detail

Emphasizes the lack of importance.

a small item

Highlights the size or scale.

a fleeting moment

Refers to a very short period of time.

an insignificant detail

Further stresses the lack of importance.

a brief task

Highlights the short duration of work.

a quick action

Emphasizes the speed of the deed.

a momentary event

Highlights the brevity of the occurrence.

a negligible aspect

Emphasizes its unimportance in a broader context.

a trifling issue

Emphasizes the lack of importance or seriousness.

FAQs

How can I use "a minute thing" in a sentence?

You can use "a minute thing" to refer to something small or insignificant, as in "While the project was complex, the error was just "a minute thing" that could be easily rectified later".

What phrases are similar to "a minute thing"?

Alternatives include "a trivial matter", "a minor detail", or "an insignificant detail", all conveying a sense of unimportance.

Is "a minute thing" formal or informal?

The phrase "a minute thing" leans towards informal use, making it more suitable for casual conversations or less formal writing contexts. More formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "a negligible aspect".

When should I avoid using "a minute thing"?

Avoid using "a minute thing" when describing events or issues of substantial importance, as it could downplay their significance. In such cases, use language that appropriately reflects the gravity of the situation.