a small issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small issue" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to refer to a problem or concern that is not particularly serious or difficult. For example, "We can discuss the details later - it's just a small issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it's obviously a small issue.

The New York Times

"It's not a small issue.

The New York Times

Variety is also a small issue.

The Guardian - Tech

This is not a small issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But I feel that is a small issue," he said.

The New York Times

There's a big issue and a small issue here.

The New Yorker

We recently had a small issue running our submissions manager, Submittable, which has now been solved.

University of California, Berkeley

Ms Koytcheva concedes that profitability may prove to be a small issue.

Independent

In a way, it's a small issue in a successful address.

The New York Times

But this is a small issue against the larger one of the battle for Airgas.

The New York Times

"It's a small issue, nothing serious, and it will be taken care of in 15 days".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small issue", ensure the context genuinely reflects its minor significance. Overusing it for serious problems can undermine your credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a small issue" to downplay a problem that has significant consequences or widespread impact. This can be perceived as dismissive or insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small issue" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a problem or matter that is considered minor or insignificant. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small issue" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a minor problem or concern. Ludwig AI validates its widespread usage, especially in News & Media and Academic contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring that the issue's significance is accurately represented to avoid miscommunication. Alternatives like "a minor problem" or "a trivial matter" can be employed to diversify language while maintaining the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor problem

Replaces "issue" with a direct synonym, "problem", keeping the sense of something insignificant.

a trivial matter

Substitutes both "small" and "issue" with synonyms emphasizing the lack of importance.

an insignificant detail

Focuses on the aspect of the issue being a detail, highlighting its unimportance.

a slight concern

Replaces "issue" with "concern", softening the impact and implying it's easily manageable.

a negligible problem

Uses "negligible" to underscore that the problem is so small it can be ignored.

a petty matter

Replaces "small" with "petty", suggesting the issue is almost childishly unimportant.

a minor setback

Frames the issue as a temporary hindrance rather than a significant obstacle.

a trifling concern

Uses "trifling" to emphasize the insignificance of the concern.

a lightweight problem

Emphasizes the easiness to handle the issue.

a non-critical issue

Uses a formal negative to convey that the issue does not require immediate action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small issue" to describe a problem that is not serious or significant, like "We had a small issue with the engine, but it's now resolved".

What phrases can I use instead of "a small issue"?

You can use alternatives like "a minor problem", "a trivial matter", or "an insignificant detail" depending on the context.

Is "a small issue" the same as "a minor issue"?

Yes, "a small issue" and "a minor issue" are generally interchangeable. Both refer to a problem or concern that is not particularly serious.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a small issue"?

It's inappropriate to use "a small issue" when addressing problems that have significant consequences or impact a large number of people. Using it in such situations may come across as dismissive.