a small complication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small complication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a minor issue or difficulty that arises in a situation or process. Example: "We encountered a small complication during the project that delayed our timeline slightly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

There is a small complication as regards Cook's immediate future with his wife, Alice, expecting their third child some time around the fourth and fifth Test.

The Guardian - Sport

For he's a kindly, if gruff, sheriff trying to rehabilitate his charges by segregating them from the hardened convicts and putting them to work on an experimental road project.There is a small complication when the chief engineer tries to sabotage the enterprise in the interest of a private contractor, but these callous villains receive short shrift from our hero.

The New York Times

Mr Varadkar said: "A long extension creates a complication in relation to the European elections, but that's a small complication relative to the impact on our economy.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That's a smaller complication rate than wisdom tooth extractions, at 7percentt, and colonoscopies at 0.35percentt -- neither of which must be conducted in ambulatory surgical centers or which require doctors to have hospital admitting privileges.

Huffington Post

There are a few small complications.

The New York Times

Minkara's decision to attend an American university had one small complication: although he was fluent in French and Lebanese, he couldn't speak a word of English.

Forbes

Mr. Fedler, the superintendent of the Library disclosed a small municipal complication which is probably responsible for the whole mess.

The New Yorker

The analog hands are about as watch-like as you can get, while there's a small digital complication that can handle basic fitness tracking, such as sleep, step count and heart rate.

Los Angeles Times

The target beta level (probability of the wrong negative decision to stop with a small postoperative complication rate (⩽28%)) was set at 10%, corresponding to a power of 90%.

British Journal of Cancer

These babies tend to be twins with a touch of jaundice, or full-term newborns with some small complication.

The New Yorker

No small complication that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small complication" when you want to downplay the significance of a problem, making it sound less daunting. This is especially useful in situations where reassurance is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "a small complication" when the issue is, in fact, significant. Downplaying a serious problem can erode trust and create the impression that you're not taking the situation seriously.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small complication" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a minor issue or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small complication" is a noun phrase used to describe a minor problem or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, serving to acknowledge an issue while minimizing its severity. Alternatives include "a minor problem" or "a slight issue". When using this phrase, avoid overusing understatement and ensure that the issue isn't more significant than portrayed. The examples show that the expression is well accepted, but not overly common, in a variety of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor problem

Replaces "complication" with a more common and straightforward term.

a slight issue

Substitutes both "small" and "complication" with milder terms.

a trivial difficulty

Emphasizes the insignificance of the problem.

a minor setback

Highlights the hindering aspect of the complication.

a glitch

Refers to a sudden, unexpected, and usually minor malfunction or problem.

a snag

Implies a sudden, unexpected difficulty or obstacle.

a hiccup

Conveys a temporary and usually unimportant disruption.

a wrinkle

Suggests a minor imperfection or difficulty.

a trifling matter

Underscores the unimportance of the complication.

a petty concern

Indicates that the complication is insignificant and not worth worrying about.

FAQs

How can I use "a small complication" in a sentence?

You can use "a small complication" to refer to a minor problem or difficulty that has arisen. For example, "There's "a small complication" with the project timeline, but we're working to resolve it quickly."

What can I say instead of "a small complication"?

You can use alternatives like "a minor problem", "a slight issue", or "a minor setback" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a small complication" or "a minor complication"?

Both ""a small complication"" and "a minor complication" are acceptable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you wish to convey. "Small" might imply something slightly less significant than "minor."

What is the difference between "a small complication" and "a major complication"?

"A small complication" refers to a minor issue that is not expected to cause significant problems. In contrast, "a major complication" indicates a serious problem with potentially significant consequences.