a significant detail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant detail" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an important or noteworthy piece of information that contributes to understanding a situation or topic. Example: "In her analysis of the novel, she pointed out a significant detail that changed the interpretation of the main character's motivations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

A significant detail disappoints.

Independent

The comptroller omitted a significant detail.

The New York Times

That Ariel often goes to bed wearing his suit, for instance, looms as a significant detail.

The New York Times

Sometimes, a significant detail can be a fulcrum around which the rest of the issue turns".

The New York Times

"But sometimes a significant detail is actually a broad brush stroke in disguise.

The New York Times

A significant detail emerged today about events leading to the Rawalpindi raid.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

This posture has not been studied or defined in any significant detail from an orthopedic view point.

The Journal of Arthroplasty

The Times noted that bit of information in its article on Monday, but didn't spend a lot of time on it -- even though it's a pretty significant detail, one that weakens the premise of the whole story.

Huffington Post

The lothario Tory MP Alan Clark wrote his diaries like a novel, with an eye for significant detail, an acute ear for dialogue and a good analytical brain that somehow contextualised the most offensive observation.

The Guardian

Later still, he let slip a further significant detail.

The Guardian - Arts

The paper congratulates G20 members who have achieved 97% product coverage for duty-free, quota-free (DFQF) access, yet sweeps under the carpet a hugely significant detail: the 3% of products not opened up are precisely those that many developing countries are interested in.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a significant detail" to emphasize that a particular piece of information is essential for understanding or interpreting a situation. It can be used to draw attention to a fact that might otherwise be overlooked.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant detail" for minor or trivial information. The detail should genuinely contribute to the overall understanding or impact of the subject matter; otherwise, it dilutes the phrase's effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant detail" functions as a noun phrase, with "significant" acting as a pre-modifying adjective. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It typically serves to highlight a particular element as noteworthy or important within a larger context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant detail" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize the importance of a particular piece of information. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and appropriate for various contexts, though it appears most often in news and media, science and encyclopedias. When using the phrase, ensure that the detail genuinely contributes to the overall understanding or impact of the subject matter to avoid diluting its effectiveness. Consider alternatives like "a crucial element" or "a key feature" to fine-tune your message. Using "a significant detail" will make the text more reliable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an important point

Replaces "detail" with "point" which is a more general term, indicating a specific idea or fact.

a noteworthy aspect

Focuses on the quality of being worthy of attention, rather than the factual nature of the information.

a crucial element

Emphasizes the importance of the detail for the overall outcome or understanding.

a key feature

Highlights the characteristic or attribute of something that is essential or definitive.

a telling fact

Implies that the detail reveals something important or insightful.

a critical factor

Highlights the importance of the detail as influencing a certain outcome.

a relevant consideration

Focuses on the detail's pertinence to the matter at hand.

a major component

Highlights the detail's integral role in a larger system or structure.

a central theme

Indicates that the detail is a recurring or dominant idea.

a salient point

Emphasizes the detail's prominence and ease of notice.

FAQs

How can I use "a significant detail" in a sentence?

You can use "a significant detail" to emphasize an important fact or aspect. For example, "A significant detail emerged during the investigation that changed everything."

What are some alternatives to "a significant detail"?

Alternatives include "a crucial element", "a key feature", or "an important point", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "a significant detail" instead of "an interesting detail"?

"A significant detail" should be used when the detail has a noticeable impact or importance to the subject or matter, while "an interesting detail" can be something that simply grabs attention without bearing too much importance.

Is it redundant to say "a very significant detail"?

While not grammatically incorrect, adding "very" to "a significant detail" can sometimes be redundant. The word "significant" already implies importance, so consider if the emphasis is necessary or if a stronger alternative, like "a crucial detail", might be more appropriate.