an apparently insignificant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an apparently insignificant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that seems unimportant or trivial at first glance, but may have more significance upon closer examination. Example: "The study revealed that an apparently insignificant detail in the data could lead to major breakthroughs in our understanding of the phenomenon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Oddly enough, it was the lack of the spade eight, an apparently insignificant card, that led to Ferraro's downfall as South in four spades.

The New York Times - Arts

On "East Side," an apparently insignificant conversation (and there were not many of those) would propel Scott into an Olympian fit of rage and empathy.

The New York Times - Arts

We discuss the possible reasons why some earlier studies (using other markers such as lysozyme), have shown an apparently insignificant number of intratumoral macrophages.

British Journal of Cancer

The hypnozoite, an apparently insignificant structure formed during the life cycle of the parasite, complicates dramatically the epidemiology as it permits adaptation of the parasite to temperate climates where no other human Plasmodium can survive.

Human Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is the Sliding Doors principle of a parallel alternative to events hinging on the outcome of a small, apparently insignificant factor.

The Guardian - Sport

It must be understood as a cycle, a succession of events, some apparently insignificant and others more serious.

Huffington Post

In principle, rankings may be affected in time by events as apparently insignificant as a bad breakfast prior to an important event, or the weather during a competition [10].

EPJ Data Science

From those crumbs of footage, he has extrapolated a twisted world, fabricating genealogies between the figures glimpsed on the screen and spinning stories out of apparently insignificant details – a smudge on the wall, a suspicious presence in the background.

The Guardian

Michael Bundock's rigorously researched and judiciously told The Fortunes of Francis Barber Yalee) is a model of how to use one apparently insignificant life to break open a historical moment that could otherwise be approached only through official documents.

The Guardian - Books

This apparently insignificant conflict was an insight into one woman unable to watch another living a fuller life (my judgment – Levy shows but does not judge).

The Guardian - Books

They bought this apparently insignificant picture at a Louisiana auction in 2005.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates how the seemingly insignificant element gains importance or reveals a deeper meaning later on.

Common error

Avoid using "an apparently insignificant" when the element's lack of importance is genuinely trivial and doesn't contribute to the overall narrative or analysis. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an apparently insignificant" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to qualify the noun by indicating that its importance is not immediately obvious. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is used to introduce elements that might seem trivial at first glance but hold deeper relevance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an apparently insignificant" is used to describe something that seems unimportant at first glance but later proves to be significant. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and appears in both news and scientific contexts. Although not very common, its function is to create anticipation and highlight potential hidden importance. Alternatives include phrases such as "a seemingly minor" or "a deceptively unimportant". When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context clearly indicates how the seemingly insignificant element gains importance or reveals a deeper meaning later on.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A seemingly minor

Emphasizes the small size or scale of something that appears unimportant.

A superficially trivial

Highlights that the lack of importance is only on the surface.

A deceptively unimportant

Suggests that the apparent lack of importance is misleading.

A seemingly negligible

Focuses on the idea that something appears too small to matter.

A trivial-seeming

Combines 'trivial' and 'seeming' for a more concise alternative.

An outwardly insignificant

Focuses on the external appearance of insignificance.

A facially unimportant

Similar to 'outwardly', highlighting the superficial aspect.

A putatively minor

More formal and emphasizes the assumption of minor importance.

An ostensible trifle

More literary and uses 'trifle' to emphasize lack of importance.

A purportedly inconsequential

Similar to 'putatively' and highlights the alleged lack of consequence.

FAQs

How can I use "an apparently insignificant" in a sentence?

Use "an apparently insignificant" to describe something that seems unimportant but later turns out to be significant. For example, "An apparently insignificant detail led to the solution of the mystery."

What are some alternatives to "an apparently insignificant"?

Alternatives include "a seemingly minor", "a superficially trivial", or "a deceptively unimportant" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "a apparently insignificant" instead of "an apparently insignificant"?

No, it is incorrect. The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, such as "apparently". Therefore, the correct phrasing is "an apparently insignificant".

What's the difference between "an apparently insignificant" and "a seemingly insignificant"?

Both phrases are similar, but "an apparently insignificant" suggests that the insignificance is based on what is evident, while "a seemingly insignificant" implies that the insignificance is based on how it appears. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize evidence or appearance.