an inconsequential detail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an inconsequential detail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a minor or unimportant aspect of a situation or discussion. Example: "While the report was thorough, there were a few inconsequential details that did not affect the overall findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Ideas of social evolution pass over the exercise of power – if it is mentioned at all, it's only as an inconsequential detail in a vast process of evolutionary change.

The Guardian - Books

Sitting alone in her car, drinking peach wine coolers, Kay has one of those moments, not exactly epiphanies, when, in the midst of intense emotion, the eye is suddenly caught by an inconsequential detail that becomes engraved in memory.

The New York Times - Books

As such, basal sprouts within the sapling size class were ignored and spatial patterns of saplings are specifically for seed origin saplings (although this is an inconsequential detail given that analyses with basal sprouts included yielded qualitatively identical results).

Forest Ecosystems

And in two major biographies published in the 90s— James Beard: A Biography and Epicurean Delight: The Life and Times of James Beard Robert Clark and Evan Jones, both straight men, seem to treat it as an inconsequential detail.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Unlike his mistake in Sunday's blowout win, Hernandez's head-scratching gaffe Monday wasn't an inconsequential humorous detail.

Los Angeles Times

With erudition lightly worn, he pulls no punches and hides no skeletons, but he is also alive to the pitfall of amassing fascinating but inconsequential detail (for which the correspondence is a tempting treasure trove).

The New York Times - Books

But Mr. Pitt's failure to mention this not inconsequential detail was indicative of the sort of bad behavior that cannot be legislated out of existence.

The New York Times

Slightly clunky, it would win no prizes for literary style – but its artlessness and proliferation of seemingly inconsequential detail somehow make this story of ordinary people waiting for extinction both credible and affecting.

The Guardian - Books

Don't let them proceed with their argument until every little, inconsequential detail is ironed out.

WikiHow

How could he do that to me? We'd been firm friends for three years (by friends I mean that I'd pecked his head in twice a week about inconsequential details until time was up).

Independent

But coffee is a finicky beverage, and small, seemingly inconsequential details of its preparation can have an outsized effect on its taste.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an inconsequential detail" when you want to downplay the importance of a specific piece of information within a larger discussion or situation. It helps to focus attention on the more significant elements.

Common error

Avoid using "an inconsequential detail" when discussing serious or crucial matters, as it can trivialize important concerns. Ensure the detail truly is minor before labeling it as such.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an inconsequential detail" functions as a noun phrase that describes something of little importance. Based on Ludwig AI, it modifies the noun "detail" by indicating its lack of significance. Examples from Ludwig show it used to dismiss minor points within larger contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an inconsequential detail" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves to describe something of minor importance and direct attention away from that specific element. Though not exceedingly common, it appears across reputable news, scientific, and general sources. When using this phrase, ensure that you are indeed referring to something minor, and that downplaying its importance won't trivialize more significant aspects of the discussion. Consider using alternatives like "a trivial detail" or "a minor point" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trivial detail

Replaces "inconsequential" with "trivial", suggesting something of little importance or value.

a minor point

Uses "minor point" to indicate something of small significance within a larger context.

an insignificant aspect

Substitutes "detail" with "aspect", emphasizing the unimportance of a particular part or feature.

a negligible element

Replaces "detail" with "element" and "inconsequential" with "negligible", indicating that something can be disregarded because it is so small.

a paltry consideration

Uses "paltry" to describe a consideration that is trifling or worthless.

a trifling matter

Replaces "detail" with "matter" and "inconsequential" with "trifling", suggesting something unimportant or frivolous.

a non-essential component

Focuses on the lack of necessity of the component, implying it's not critical.

a peripheral issue

Indicates that the issue is on the outer boundary and not central to the main subject.

a secondary consideration

Highlights that the consideration is of lesser importance compared to primary concerns.

a side issue

A simple and direct way to refer to a detail that is not the main focus.

FAQs

What does "an inconsequential detail" mean?

It refers to a minor or unimportant aspect of something, often something that doesn't significantly affect the overall outcome or understanding.

How can I use "an inconsequential detail" in a sentence?

You might say, "While the report was thorough, there were a few "inconsequential details" that did not affect the overall findings."

What are some alternatives to saying "an inconsequential detail"?

You could use phrases like "a trivial detail", "a minor point", or "an insignificant aspect".

Is it appropriate to use "an inconsequential detail" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate, but ensure that the context genuinely warrants downplaying the importance of the detail. In highly critical or sensitive contexts, consider whether a more neutral term would be preferable.