a small consideration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small consideration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a minor factor or aspect that is taken into account in a decision or situation. Example: "In making our final decision, we took into account a small consideration regarding the budget constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It's much lighter than the iPad — not a small consideration when reading for any length of time.

The New York Times

Dr. Fishkin, who has what Mr. Boyett called "a small consideration" in the play's profits, approached Mr. Ives's interventions with a practical shrug.

The New York Times

That is a small consideration and England's captain will clearly be glad when it is no longer such a talking point.

The Guardian - Sport

On one stag weekend, a friend of a friend had access to a minibus and offered to drive for a small consideration.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is not a small consideration; it makes a powerful short story feel stretched, creating a vague dissatisfaction that has nothing to do with the writing itself.

The Guardian - Books

It's a small consideration, but as a result the video loops catwalk models that are stretched to the size of the large screens making them appear malformed.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The warrants, a smaller consideration than the equity positions associated with the TARP loans, are out of the money in most cases, and by a wide margin in BofA's case.

Forbes

Those hours earn him a few dollars, as well as a free meal, no small consideration for him.

The New York Times

Embarrassment-avoidance in a competitive environment is no small consideration".

The New York Times

It also goes surprisingly well with food, which is no small consideration on a Champagne recovery day.

The New York Times - Food

If carried out effectively, the strikes may also send a signal to Iran that the White House is prepared to back up its words, no small consideration for an administration that has proclaimed that the use of military force remains an option if the leadership in Iran insists on fielding a nuclear weapon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small consideration" to subtly introduce a point that should be acknowledged but not overemphasized, maintaining a balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "a small consideration" when the factor is actually significant. Doing so can undermine your argument and mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small consideration" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a minor aspect or factor relevant to a particular situation. Ludwig highlights examples where this phrase is used to acknowledge secondary points.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small consideration" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-toned way to introduce a minor factor or aspect in various contexts. Ludwig's analysis, based on numerous examples, confirms that it is most commonly used in news and media, with some presence in scientific and formal business writing. While not as frequent as other similar expressions, it offers a precise way to acknowledge secondary points without overstating their importance. As such, it's a useful tool for maintaining balance and perspective in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor point

Emphasizes the insignificance of the item being considered.

a secondary factor

Highlights the item's lower priority compared to other factors.

a trivial matter

Suggests the item is of little to no importance.

a negligible aspect

Focuses on how the element is practically ignorable.

an inconsequential detail

Indicates the item is not worth significant attention.

a slight concern

Refers to a worry or issue that is not substantial.

a marginal element

Implies the item has only a minimal effect.

a side issue

Suggests the item is not central to the main discussion.

a lesser concern

Highlights the lower level of importance or worry.

a peripheral detail

Points out that the item is on the edge of the main focus.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small consideration" to introduce a minor factor or point that is worth noting, but not the primary focus. For instance, "While the budget was tight, marketing costs were a small consideration in the overall project planning".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "a small consideration"?

Alternatives to "a small consideration" include "a minor point", "a secondary factor", or "a trivial matter". The choice depends on the context and the degree of insignificance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a small consideration" in formal writing?

Yes, "a small consideration" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a neutral and clear way to acknowledge a less significant factor. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of your document.

What's the difference between "a small consideration" and "a major concern"?

"A small consideration" refers to something of minor importance, while "a major concern" indicates a significant issue. They are opposites in terms of the level of importance or worry they convey.