about the minutiae

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about the minutiae" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the small, precise, or trivial details of a subject or situation. Example: "In our meeting, we spent too much time focusing about the minutiae instead of addressing the main issues at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Men's wear is about the minutiae," he said.

The New York Times

"It was about the minutiae of the soldiers' lives.

The New York Times - Magazine

He can go on forever about the minutiae of franchising.

The New York Times - Magazine

Though as we've got older, we've both got more relaxed, and less worried about the minutiae.

Independent

I prefer phone-ins about the minutiae of life - you know, why milk cartons are rubbish.

The Guardian

Dr. Eldredge can wax lyrical about the minutiae of each model.

The New York Times - Science

Asked about the minutiae of her final match, she said: "Honestly, the match isn't really important to me right now.

The Guardian - Sport

"Being chief executive makes it sound like you're about to talk about the minutiae of strategy," Hincks said.

The Guardian

But soccer is about the minutiae, the pass, the dummies, and you won't see that on American TV.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Bush may lack Mr. Clinton's ability to wax philosophical about the minutiae of virtually any policy.

The New York Times

To art lovers unconcerned about the minutiae of scholarly studies, a better knowledge of the genesis of a specific picture may not be hugely exciting.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "about the minutiae", ensure it adds value and doesn't detract from the main point. Over-emphasizing minor details can make your writing seem unfocused.

Common error

Avoid using "about the minutiae" when the details are irrelevant to the overall argument or understanding. Prioritize essential information to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about the minutiae" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates the subject matter or scope of a discussion, action, or concern. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "about the minutiae" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a focus on small, precise details. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and academic writing. However, be mindful of overemphasizing trivial details at the expense of the larger picture. Consider alternatives like "regarding the specifics" or "concerning the details" for subtle differences in emphasis. While widely accepted, ensure its use adds value and doesn't detract from the main point, as the best writing prioritizes essential information for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding the specifics

Emphasizes precision and particularity.

concerning the details

A more general way of referring to details.

focusing on the particulars

Highlights the act of paying attention to specific items.

pertaining to the fine points

Suggests a focus on subtle or nuanced aspects.

in relation to the trivialities

Emphasizes the insignificance of the details being discussed.

with respect to the nitty-gritty

Informal way to refer to the essential practical details.

dealing with the fine print

Often refers to the less noticeable, but important aspects of a legal document or agreement.

on the subject of the niceties

Implies a focus on etiquette or formalities.

considering the subtle nuances

Highlights the delicate and often overlooked aspects.

attending to the delicate points

Focuses on careful and sensitive handling of specific elements.

FAQs

How can I use "about the minutiae" in a sentence?

You can use "about the minutiae" to indicate a focus on small or trivial details, like in the sentence, "The discussion was mostly "about the minutiae" of the project's budget."

What phrases are similar to "about the minutiae"?

Similar phrases include "regarding the specifics", "concerning the details", and "focusing on the particulars".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "about the minutiae"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the attention to or importance of small, precise details, often in situations where these details might be overlooked or considered insignificant by others.

What is the difference between "about the details" and "about the minutiae"?

"About the details" is a more general phrase, while ""about the minutiae"" specifically refers to the most minor, precise, or trivial details.