a small importance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small importance" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when referring to something that holds little significance or value in a particular context. Example: "In the grand scheme of things, this issue holds a small importance compared to the larger problems we face."

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

This expression highlights the well-known fact that the WS consists in fact of three terms: 1) the term w σ which is a weight so that pixels or DCT coefficients with the highest variance have a smallest importance, 2) the term ((k - bar {k}) = pm 1) according the LSB of k and 3) the term (Δ k−μ).

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

Pab2 has a major influence in the recruitment of RITS to mei4 RNA but a smaller importance for its binding to the mei4 gene, while Red1 has the opposite effect.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

Contrary to the expectations, customization has a relatively small importance value in this research.

Computers in Human Behavior

Note that the search algorithm used in this step has a relatively small importance with respect to the running time in case of the classic color checker, as the size of the candidate list and the number of neighborhood relations is generally low.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

And, using information as an authentic category of Nature (alongside matter, energy, space and time), this is achieved without resorting to any principle other than those on which physics is based – a point of no small importance at a time when, curiously, some people wish to regress to an age when humans desperately needed to believe in external principles, to accept their life on Earth.

FEMS Microbiology Reviews

Weight -- both gained and lost -- was a topic of no small importance.

The New York Times - Style

The Jewett, now 36 years old, is a building of no small importance to American architecture.

The New York Times - Arts

I've been subconsciously counting on my very small importance in a very big world.

HuffPost

The last time the Met revived Rusalka, it starred Renée Fleming in a role that played no small importance in her own career.

Huffington Post

But, also this bias is of small importance in a thorough grounded theory.

BMC Palliative Care

Also of no small importance, this portal acts as a secure link to the patient's Emergency Medical Profile stored either at 911ICE.org or other popular sites, such as Microsoft HealthVault or Google Health.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the lack of significance, consider using more direct alternatives like "minor significance" or "little importance" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a small importance" when the subject is entirely irrelevant; instead, consider phrases like "no importance" or "irrelevant".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small importance" functions as a noun phrase that denotes the degree of relevance or significance of something. It indicates that the subject in question has some, but not substantial, bearing on the matter at hand. Ludwig shows similar usages in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small importance" is used to describe something that has a minor or limited significance. Ludwig AI indicates that while grammatically acceptable, more direct alternatives like "minor significance" or "little importance" are often preferred for enhanced clarity. It commonly appears in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts. To improve writing, consider using more precise terms when the subject is entirely irrelevant or, conversely, when it holds considerable weight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor importance

Replaces "small" with "minor", indicating a slightly lesser degree of significance.

little importance

Substitutes "small" with "little", conveying a similar meaning of insignificance.

slight importance

Uses "slight" instead of "small" to denote a minimal degree of importance.

modest importance

Replaces "small" with "modest", suggesting a limited but noticeable level of significance.

limited importance

Uses "limited" to specify that the importance is restricted or not extensive.

marginal importance

Suggests that the importance is on the periphery or not central.

secondary importance

Indicates that the importance is less than primary but still relevant.

of little consequence

Replaces "importance" with "consequence", emphasizing that the matter has minimal impact.

not very significant

Expresses that something lacks a high degree of significance.

relatively unimportant

Highlights that compared to other factors, the subject is not as important.

FAQs

What does "a small importance" mean?

The phrase "a small importance" refers to something that has minor or limited significance in a particular context. It suggests that while the thing is not entirely unimportant, its impact or relevance is relatively low.

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

You can use alternatives like "minor importance", "little importance", or "slight importance" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a small importance"?

While understandable, the phrase "a small importance" may sound less natural than alternatives. Using "minor importance" or "little importance" often provides better clarity and grammatical flow.

In what contexts is "a small importance" typically used?

The phrase "a small importance" is used in contexts where assessing the degree of relevance or impact is necessary, such as comparing factors or evaluating outcomes. It can appear in scientific, news, and general discussions.