a technicality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a technicality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a minor detail or rule that may have significant implications in a situation, often in legal or procedural contexts. Example: "The case was dismissed on a technicality, even though the evidence suggested guilt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is a technicality.

The New York Times - Sports

But that's a technicality.

The New York Times

Or was it a technicality?

The New Yorker

It's a technicality".

The New York Times

What is a "technicality"?

The New York Times

A technicality, but he has a point.

Independent

But this was overturned on a technicality.

The Economist

So he's excused on a technicality.

The New York Times

This wasn't just a technicality.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's a technicality, that's all.

The New York Times - Magazine

On a technicality, the N.B.A. won.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a technicality" when you want to downplay the importance of a detail while acknowledging it has consequences.

Common error

Don't dismiss something as "a technicality" without considering its potential real-world impact, especially in legal or contractual situations. A seemingly minor detail can have significant ramifications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a technicality" functions as a noun phrase, specifically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. Examples show it being used to describe the reason behind legal outcomes, or to minimize the importance of specific details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a technicality" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves to downplay the importance of a detail while acknowledging its impact, particularly in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "a minor detail" and "a legal nicety". When using the phrase, it's important to consider the actual impact of the technicality, regardless of how insignificant it might seem. "A technicality" commonly appears in the news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mere technical detail

Underscores the seemingly unimportant aspect of the technicality.

a minor detail

Focuses on the insignificance of the detail itself.

an insignificant detail

Highlights the unimportance of the element.

a legal nicety

Emphasizes the legal context and potentially trivial nature of the point.

a procedural point

Highlights the aspect of following established procedures.

a formality

Suggests that the element is more about adhering to form than substance.

a loophole

Implies a means of evading a rule or law.

a superficial aspect

Highlights the lack of fundamental importance.

a triviality

Conveys that the issue is insignificant.

a quibble

Suggests a minor objection or complaint.

FAQs

How to use "a technicality" in a sentence?

You can use "a technicality" to explain how something was achieved or avoided due to a minor detail. For example: "The case was dismissed on "a technicality"".

What can I say instead of "a technicality"?

You can use alternatives like "a minor detail", "a procedural point", or "a legal nicety" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a technicality" or "an technicality"?

"A technicality" is correct. The indefinite article "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound.

What's the difference between "a technicality" and "a formality"?

"A technicality" refers to a minor detail that can have significant consequences, often in legal or procedural contexts, while "a formality" refers to something done merely to comply with rules or customs.