a small detail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small detail" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is insignificant or minor, or when referring to a single aspect or characteristic of something. Example: Despite all the difficulties we experienced this year, the team kept its focus and was able to succeed — a small detail that shouldn't go unnoticed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Probably just a small detail easily overlooked.

The Washington Post

It's a small detail, but a critical one.

MIT Technology Review

Perhaps I'm making too much of a small detail.

The New York Times - Arts

The self-styled reform candidate left out a small detail.

The New York Times

But why let a small detail like that interfere with preparations?

The New York Times

A small detail, perhaps, but one a new arrival might be glad to know.

The Guardian

It was such a small detail, and very driver-specific, but we made that change".

The New York Times

"With just a small detail like that, the security services could identify me," one said.

The New Yorker

The fact that he was giving me money to stop talking was a small detail.

The Guardian

It's small details that can make you fail and today it was a small detail.

Independent

It is a country where children can be beaten in school for forgetting a small detail about their ruler's life.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small detail" to downplay the significance of a fact or element, especially when you want to transition smoothly to more important aspects of your discussion. For instance, when addressing a complex issue, acknowledging "a small detail" upfront can help manage expectations and maintain focus on the larger context.

Common error

Avoid using "a small detail" to introduce information that later proves critical to your argument. This can mislead your audience and undermine your credibility. Ensure genuinely minor points are introduced with this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small detail" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement, direct object, or object of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small detail" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to downplay the importance of a specific element or piece of information. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its frequent appearance in news and media sources demonstrates its wide acceptance and applicability. When using this phrase, ensure the detail you're referencing is genuinely minor to avoid misleading your audience. Alternatives like "a minor point" or "an insignificant aspect" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor point

Replaces "detail" with "point", emphasizing the insignificance of the item.

an insignificant aspect

Uses "aspect" instead of "detail", highlighting the unimportance of the element.

a trivial element

Emphasizes the lack of importance using "trivial" instead of "small".

a negligible item

Replaces "detail" with "item", suggesting it's barely worth considering.

a subtle nuance

Highlights the delicateness and slightness of the detail.

a fine distinction

Focuses on the precision and slight difference the detail makes.

a slight particularity

Replaces "detail" with "particularity", stressing its specific but minor nature.

a mere technicality

Suggests the detail is a formal requirement without real substance.

a hardly noticeable feature

Emphasizes how easily the detail can be overlooked.

a speck

Conveys a tiny, almost invisible quality, metaphorically minimizing the detail.

FAQs

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

Use "a small detail" to refer to an element that is minor or insignificant within a larger context. For example, "The success of the project hinged on "a small detail" – ensuring the software was compatible with older systems."

What are some synonyms for "a small detail"?

Alternatives include "a minor point", "an insignificant aspect", or "a trivial element". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever wrong to use "a small detail"?

It's inappropriate to use "a small detail" if the information is actually crucial to the topic at hand. Doing so could mislead or confuse your audience.

What's the difference between "a small detail" and "a significant detail"?

"A small detail" refers to a minor, often overlooked aspect, while "a significant detail" highlights a crucial piece of information. The adjectives indicate the level of importance each detail carries.