an apparently minor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an apparently minor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that seems to be of little importance or significance at first glance, but may have deeper implications. Example: "The report highlighted an apparently minor issue that later turned out to be a major flaw in the system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Those demonstrations, too, erupted over an apparently minor issue: an increase in bus fares.

The New York Times

With 25 seconds left, Godbolt crumpled to the court with an apparently minor ankle injury and Kipfer took the ball from him.

The New York Times - Sports

Another resource of development is to seize on an apparently minor feature of the exposition and, by developing it extensively, to demonstrate its hidden importance.

Britannica

Seven and a half years earlier, her 3-year-old daughter died of a blood infection after an apparently minor accident, a circumstance not unlike that of the patient she has just photographed.

The New York Times - Books

The use of an apparently minor violation of trademark protocol to launch an attack on Aristegui's team prompted a protest outside the station's offices denouncing censorship on Thursday night.

The Guardian

Mr Hutchens (not his real name) has been depressed for many years, since losing his job because of his chronic back pain, sustained after an apparently minor road accident.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Any ethical or compliance failure, even an isolated and apparently minor one, can be instantly broadcast all over the world.

Forbes

An exacerbated sensitivity to apparently minor stimuli and a general resilience of the entire system stay together side-by-side in biological systems.

Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications

The other N.F.L. news of the day was 49ers Coach Jim Harbaugh undergoing a procedure for an irregular heartbeat, which was apparently minor enough that we can joke about the biggest revelation being that Harbaugh has a heart.

The New York Times - Sports

This practical example illustrates that the quality of a model cannot be judged independently of its implementation as a simulator, and that apparently minor assumptions made in implementing the simulator may have substantial influence on predictions.

Forest Ecosystems

A discordancy exists between the apparently minor circumstances and serious injuries sustained by child bicyclists who impact bicycle handlebars.

Accident Analysis & Prevention

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the impact of "an apparently minor" detail on the larger context. This phrase is effective when highlighting the potential for small things to have significant consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "an apparently minor" dismissively. Even if something seems small, acknowledge the possibility of unforeseen consequences. Don't minimize potential risks or impacts simply because they appear insignificant initially.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an apparently minor" functions primarily as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It qualifies a noun, indicating something appears to be of little consequence at first glance. Ludwig provides various examples illustrating this function in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an apparently minor" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something that seems insignificant initially but might have hidden importance. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While suitable for formal writing, simpler alternatives exist for informal settings. Remember, the phrase is best used when hinting at potential consequences or creating intrigue, as a detail can often be deceiving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a seemingly insignificant

Replaces 'apparently minor' with 'seemingly insignificant', emphasizing the deceptive smallness of something.

a superficially trivial

Uses 'superficially trivial' to highlight that the lack of importance is only on the surface.

a deceptively small

Emphasizes the misleading nature of the small size or impact using 'deceptively small'.

an ostensibly unimportant

Replaces 'apparently minor' with 'ostensibly unimportant', indicating a perceived lack of importance.

a seemingly negligible

Employs 'seemingly negligible' to convey that something appears too small to matter.

a purportedly trivial

Uses 'purportedly trivial' to suggest the insignificance is claimed, but possibly untrue.

a facially unimportant

Uses 'facially unimportant' to indicate that the lack of importance is evident at first sight.

a thin seeming

Employing 'thin seeming' to highlight that something could be not significant

a first glance trivial

Similar to 'apparently minor' but using a more descriptive adjective.

a plainly unimportant

Similar to 'apparently minor' but using 'plainly' to indicate the obviousness of the lack of importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "an apparently minor" to describe something that seems unimportant but might have greater consequences. For instance, "An apparently minor delay in the project schedule ultimately led to significant cost overruns."

What are some alternatives to "an apparently minor"?

Alternatives include "a seemingly insignificant" detail, "a superficially trivial" issue, or "a deceptively small" change depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "an apparently minor" suitable for formal writing?

"An apparently minor" is generally suitable for formal writing, but consider your audience. In highly formal contexts, you might opt for alternatives like "an ostensibly unimportant" matter.

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

Both "an apparently minor" and "a seemingly trivial" refer to something that appears unimportant. "Apparently minor" implies that the lack of importance is based on available evidence, while "seemingly trivial" suggests it's based on initial perception.