a superficial matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a superficial matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a topic or issue that lacks depth or significance, often implying that it is not worth serious consideration. Example: "While the debate was lively, it ultimately revolved around a superficial matter that did not address the core issues at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"But to me, an exercise in style is not a superficial matter — our lives are also an exercise in style".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This may seem like a superficial, trivial matter, but it is not.

The Guardian - Opinion

Taste is a superficial subject.

Huffington Post

It is not a superficial thing.

Huffington Post

It is to do on a superficial level (and superficies matter in this text) with the possibility in Tsarist Russia of owning "souls", which is how the ownership of serfs is described.

The Guardian - Books

Instead of enlightened leadership, however, Vlavianos-Arvanitis argues that global society has prioritized superficial matters, such as overconsumption, to the detriment of more serious issues; a mindset which "leads us nowhere".

Huffington Post

Similarly, despite the enjoyment he got from paying attention to superficial matters, there wasn't much place for irony in the Spencerian universe.

The New Yorker

If you always find yourself in company that obsesses over appearance, try to change the conversation to less superficial matters.

WikiHow

Kandinsky's thesis was that this was a superficial conglomeration in which, no matter what the theoretical position might be, the elements alternated in supremacy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even on a superficial level it didn't matter if I possessed a killer set of legs.

Huffington Post

There is a superficial resemblance between "Every Little Step" (and, for that matter, "A Chorus Line" itself) and television reality shows in which ordinary people use their talents to scramble for the spotlight.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a superficial matter" when you want to downplay the importance of something being discussed. It's effective in contrasting trivial details with more substantial issues.

Common error

While "a superficial matter" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your analysis seem dismissive. Balance it with more nuanced language to accurately reflect the significance of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a superficial matter" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "superficial" modifies the noun "matter". It describes the nature or quality of the matter being discussed, indicating its lack of depth or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a superficial matter" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something lacking depth or importance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile across diverse contexts like news, science, and general discussions, it's crucial to avoid overuse, particularly in formal writing, to maintain analytical depth. Alternatives such as "a trivial concern" or "a minor detail" can offer nuanced expression, depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trivial concern

Focuses on the lack of importance or significance.

a shallow issue

Emphasizes the lack of depth or complexity.

a minor detail

Highlights the insignificance and small scale.

an insignificant point

Underscores the lack of consequence or relevance.

a frivolous subject

Suggests a lack of seriousness or purpose.

a skin-deep problem

Implies that the issue is only on the surface and not deeply rooted.

a cosmetic change

Refers to an alteration that only affects the appearance and not the substance.

a surface-level question

Suggests that the inquiry does not delve into deeper or more complex aspects.

a trifling event

Emphasizes the lack of importance or value of the occurrence.

a lightweight consideration

Highlights the lack of depth and substance in the thought process.

FAQs

What does "a superficial matter" mean?

The phrase "a superficial matter" refers to an issue, topic, or concern that lacks depth, importance, or significance. It suggests something that is only on the surface and doesn't warrant serious consideration.

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

You can use "a superficial matter" to describe a topic that isn't very important, for example: "While the debate was lively, it ultimately revolved around "a superficial matter" that did not address the core issues at hand."

What are some alternatives to "a superficial matter"?

You can use alternatives like "a trivial concern", "a minor detail", or "an insignificant point" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a superficial matter"?

It's appropriate to use "a superficial matter" when you want to indicate that a particular aspect of a discussion or situation is not worth focusing on or is less important than other factors. However, consider using it carefully to avoid sounding dismissive.