a small point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something minor or insignificant that is being discussed. For example: "A small point that I wanted to make before we move on is..."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A small point of protocol?

The Guardian - Opinion

It seems like a small point.

The Guardian - Tech

It is not a small point.

The Guardian

That is not a small point.

The New York Times

A small point, but it made me feel proud.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This seems like a small point, but it's everything.

The Washington Post

It's a small point, but I explained no such thing.

The New Yorker

A small point, Mr. Soderbergh said, but telling.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

If you're using a small point-and-shoot camera, then you're all set; stick it in your pocket and go.

WikiHow

In fact, they spoke through Bacanovic's assistant a small point said to show a larger dishonesty.

Forbes

That may seem like a small point, but it had never been done before.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small point" to introduce a detail that might seem insignificant but could have larger implications or offer a new perspective.

Common error

Avoid spending too much time elaborating on "a small point" if it distracts from the main argument. Briefly state it and move on to more critical matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small point" functions as a discourse marker, typically used to introduce a detail that the speaker or writer considers minor or potentially insignificant. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to preemptively downplay importance or signal a slight digression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small point" is a versatile phrase used to introduce minor details or potentially insignificant observations. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and very common across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Academia. While it's useful for managing the flow of information and preemptively downplaying importance, it's crucial to avoid overemphasizing these details to maintain focus. Alternatives like "a minor detail" or "a trivial issue" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor detail

Focuses on the insignificance of the information.

an insignificant matter

Emphasizes the lack of importance of the issue.

a trivial issue

Highlights the unimportance of the subject.

a negligible factor

Indicates that the element has very little impact.

a side issue

Suggests that the point is not central to the main topic.

a mere technicality

Implies that the point is purely formal and lacks substance.

a slight consideration

Focuses on the delicacy and limited weight of the aspect.

a minor quibble

Points out a petty objection or criticism.

an incidental aspect

Highlights the point's secondary relevance to the overall topic.

a footnote

Suggests the point is an addition or clarification that is not essential.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small point" to introduce a detail that might seem insignificant but could have larger implications or offer a new perspective. For instance, "A small point, but presumably the full stop after line two should be a comma?"

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

While both phrases indicate something is not very important, "a small point" often introduces a potentially overlooked item, while "a minor detail" simply emphasizes the lack of importance.

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

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

Is it always necessary to mention that it's "a small point"?

No, it is not always necessary. Use it when you want to preemptively downplay the significance of a detail, especially if it might seem irrelevant at first glance or if you want to avoid derailing the discussion with digressions.