a person of no consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a person of no consequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is considered unimportant or insignificant in a particular context. Example: "In the grand scheme of things, he was just a person of no consequence in the story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He disconcerts Vera by mistaking her for a simple person of no consequence.

The New Yorker

Not only the fact that a Baltimore nobody could take out one of the Greek's top men, but also Ziggy's personal transformation from an immature object of ridicule to a person of (rather severe) consequence.

The Guardian

You were a person of consequence.

The New Yorker

But there is such a vacuum, and therefore Glenn Beck, like it or not, is a person of consequence.

The New Yorker

Her action forced a debate on Iran's Constitution, which said that only a rajol -- a person of consequence -- could run.

The New York Times

The victim is perceived first as a person of consequence, then suddenly as an inert body subject to the laws of physics: authority is debunked by gravity, mind by matter; man is degraded to a mechanism.

Britannica

I was taken on by the Western Daily Press, a Bristol broadsheet, as a junior reporter in 1954, and, coming from an entire childhood of boarding school, I was thrilled to become, overnight, a person of consequence.

Independent

Just as the Miss America Pageant is now billed as the largest scholarship program for women in the country, so the BAP can be labeled a person of vision and consequence.

The New York Times - Style

What else would give you the gravitas you'll need to be a person of consequence in later life?

Huffington Post

They also came to name a person of note or consequence.

Huffington Post

Maybe one day a white actor cast in a role that's intended to be played by a person of color will acknowledge the consequences of whitewashing on communities underrepresented on screen.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a person of no consequence" to subtly convey that someone lacks importance or influence within a specific context, rather than making a direct, potentially offensive statement about their overall worth.

Common error

While "a person of no consequence" is grammatically correct, using it too frequently in formal writing can make your tone sound condescending or overly critical. Consider more neutral alternatives like "a less influential figure" or "someone with limited impact".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a person of no consequence" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a person of no consequence" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe someone lacking importance or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While relatively rare, it appears in diverse contexts ranging from news and media to academic and scientific sources. Although grammatically correct, its use should be approached with caution, as it can be perceived as dismissive. Alternatives like "an insignificant individual" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Understanding its nuances will aid in using this phrase effectively and sensitively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an insignificant individual

Replaces "person of no consequence" with more direct synonyms for insignificance.

an inconsequential person

Directly uses "inconsequential" as an adjective to describe the person.

a nobody

Uses a colloquial term to express a lack of importance or recognition.

a nonentity

Emphasizes the lack of existence or importance of the person.

an unimportant figure

Replaces "person" with "figure" and uses a direct synonym for lack of importance.

a person of little account

Rephrases the lack of consequence as a lack of account or value.

a cipher

Indicates someone whose presence or influence is virtually nil.

a lightweight

Uses a metaphor to describe someone who lacks substance or influence.

a shadow

Uses a metaphor indicating someone who lacks presence or influence.

a small potato

Employs an idiom to indicate someone of low rank or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "a person of no consequence" in a sentence?

You can use "a person of no consequence" to describe someone who is unimportant or lacks influence in a particular situation. For example, "In the bureaucracy, he felt like "a person of no consequence", his ideas ignored and his efforts unappreciated."

What are some alternatives to "a person of no consequence"?

Alternatives include "an insignificant individual", "a nobody", or "a nonentity". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to describe someone as "a person of no consequence"?

No, it's often seen as dismissive or insulting. It's better suited to fictional narratives or analyses where you're objectively assessing someone's impact rather than making a personal judgment. Consider the impact of your words.

What's the difference between "a person of no consequence" and "an average person"?

"An average person" simply means someone who is typical or ordinary. "A person of no consequence" implies that the individual lacks influence or importance, regardless of how typical they are. One can be an average person but still be important for family or friends.