a subordinate matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a subordinate matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a topic or issue that is of lesser importance compared to another. Example: "While the budget is crucial, the scheduling of meetings is merely a subordinate matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many high-scoring basketball players, being able to make so obvious and glamorous a contribution to their team in the form of point totals, don't bother to develop the other skills of the game, and leave subordinate matters like defense and playmaking largely to their teammates.

The New Yorker

Politics will be displaced by an enlarged personal morality as truth conquers error and mind subordinates matter.

SEP

Of course, one might ask whether a boss can really "joke" with a subordinate about such a matter without the latter wondering whether that "joke" was really a tacit command.

The Washington Post

When word reached him of a California rep whose tactics were "out of line," he left the matter to a subordinate to handle.

Forbes

But passing these matters on to a subordinate who is a political ally and owes his job to the candidate hardly removes the conflict.

The New York Times

No matter what the circumstances, Griffin's attack on a subordinate, which left Testi with a swollen face, would have resulted in Griffin's being severely punished in almost any workplace in America.

Los Angeles Times

These examples demonstrate the chaotic results of recognizing a First Amendment right for a subordinate to speak in his or her official capacity on matters of public concern.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Recently, she had to discuss the poor performance of a subordinate and did not feel that she was able to convey to that employee the seriousness of the matter.

The New York Times

According to Darren Treadway, bullying is a matter of perception - the way some action is interpreted by a person, in this case, a subordinate.

BBC

· View the work online Artist: François Boucher (1703-70), the archetypal painter of the French rococo, a style that subordinated subject matter to a lacy, frothy sensuality in which bodies, clothes, clouds, waves and forests become not themselves but images of desire, metaphors for titillation.

The Guardian

Women are in a subordinate position.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly establishes what the primary matter is, against which the subordinate matter is being compared.

Common error

Avoid using "a subordinate matter" to describe issues that have significant consequences. Misrepresenting the gravity of a situation can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a subordinate matter" functions as a noun phrase, where "subordinate" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "matter". Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It is used to describe something that is of secondary importance.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a subordinate matter" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something of lesser importance compared to a primary concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in English. While the provided search results lack examples, the analysis indicates its potential suitability for formal and neutral contexts. Alternatives such as "a secondary concern" or "a minor issue" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using this phrase, ensure the main issue is clear and that downplaying the matter is appropriate for the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a secondary concern

Replaces 'matter' with 'concern' emphasizing the issue's reduced importance.

a minor issue

Substitutes 'subordinate' with 'minor' and 'matter' with 'issue' to convey a similar meaning of lesser importance.

a less significant item

Emphasizes the reduced importance of the item in question.

a lower priority

Highlights the reduced level of importance in terms of ranking or urgency.

a trivial detail

Focuses on the lack of importance of a particular detail.

a peripheral concern

Indicates that the matter is on the edge of what is important.

a negligible aspect

Suggests the aspect is so small it can be ignored.

an inconsequential point

Highlights the lack of consequence or impact of the point.

a side issue

Implies the matter is a diversion from the main topic.

a secondary consideration

Emphasizes the matter is not the primary focus.

FAQs

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

You can use "a subordinate matter" to describe something of lesser importance compared to a main issue. For instance, "While the budget is crucial, the scheduling of meetings is merely "a subordinate matter"".

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

Alternatives include "a secondary concern", "a minor issue", or "a less significant item", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a subordinate matter" in formal writing?

Yes, "a subordinate matter" is suitable for formal writing, as it is grammatically correct and clearly conveys the relative importance of an issue. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and context of your document.

What is the difference between "a subordinate matter" and "a trivial issue"?

While both phrases indicate something of low importance, "a trivial issue" suggests the matter is insignificant or petty, whereas "a subordinate matter" implies it is less important compared to something else. Triviality emphasizes insignificance in itself, while subordination emphasizes relative importance.