a small matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is not significant or important in the context of a discussion or situation. Example: "I understand your concerns, but I assure you that this is just a small matter that can be easily resolved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A small matter, granted.

The New York Times - Books

"This is not a small matter".

The New York Times

They are small, and a small matter.

The New Yorker

Doctrinally, however, celibacy may be almost a small matter.

The New Yorker

It's a small matter of about $20 million.

The New York Times

But nudity is a small matter compared with politics.

The New Yorker

But a small matter of an angioplasty had come up...

The New York Times

This is a small matter, however, compared with the overall sophistication and beauty of the film.

The New Yorker

But first there was a small matter of a preseason tour of the United States.

The New York Times - Sports

Detecting arsenic poisoning, however useful, is a small matter compared with eliminating cholera.

The New Yorker

IN TRUTH it is a small matter barely worth a paragraph, let alone an entire column.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small matter" when you want to downplay the significance of something, but be mindful of your audience. In some contexts, minimizing an issue could be perceived as dismissive.

Common error

While "a small matter" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal or critical business communications. Opt for more precise and professional language to ensure clarity and seriousness where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small matter" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. As indicated by Ludwig, it serves to downplay the significance of an issue or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small matter" is a noun phrase used to minimize the importance of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and Business. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse, especially in highly formal communications where a more precise expression might be required. Related phrases include "a minor issue" and "an insignificant detail". Be mindful of your audience and the potential for misinterpretation when using this phrase to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor issue

Replaces "matter" with "issue", suggesting a problem that is not very significant.

an insignificant detail

Focuses on the lack of importance of the detail in question.

a trivial concern

Emphasizes the unimportance of the concern.

a negligible problem

Highlights that the problem is so small it can be ignored.

a petty detail

Suggests the detail is so unimportant it's almost annoying to focus on it.

a trifling thing

Uses "trifling" to indicate something of little value or importance.

a light issue

Uses "light" to convey that an issue is not serious or difficult.

something of little consequence

Expresses that something has a lack of importance regarding its results or effects.

a non-issue

Expresses the idea that something is not actually a problem or concern.

a speck of dust

Uses a metaphor to diminish the importance of something by comparing it to a tiny object.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small matter" to downplay the importance of something. For example, "The delay is "a small matter" compared to the overall success of the project."

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

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

Is "a small matter" the same as "a big deal"?

No, "a small matter" means something is not important, while "a big deal" means something is very important. They are opposites.

When is it appropriate to use "a small matter"?

It's appropriate to use "a small matter" when you want to indicate that something is not significant or shouldn't be a cause for concern. Be cautious, as minimizing problems might be seen as dismissive in certain situations.