barely a footnote

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barely a footnote" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is of little significance or importance, often in comparison to a larger context. Example: "In the grand scheme of history, this event is barely a footnote."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

That's barely a footnote.

The New Yorker

Sparta is barely a footnote in West European sports pages.

The Economist

What people would have said in the 1880s and 1890s is barely a footnote.

The New York Times

"In American history he's barely a footnote," said Arnold Stead, author of a recent book on Little.

The Guardian

Although Blake's contributions to the Sooners' 2000 national title is barely a footnote nationally, it is known in Oklahoma.

The New York Times - Sports

Our glorious revolution rates barely a footnote in the history of Great Britain, stretching back as it does to the emperor Hadrian and long before.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"He's trying to call attention to this place". In the billion-dollar world of philanthropy, Sal Dimiceli's generosity is barely a footnote--about $2 million.

Los Angeles Times

Look at the company's stated values — "super-pumped," "always be hustlin'," and "bold". Respect for the law barely merits a footnote.

Harvard Business Review

The government was accused by Help the Aged of neglecting older people, whose needs "barely registered a footnote" in the new legislative programme.

The Guardian

And so the stage is set for a fourth, classic shoot-out between the old king and his young usurper – so much so that Master Minded, another top-class steeplechaser in Smith's colours, barely warrants a footnote.

Independent

The greatest fictional fighter of all time, a man whose name is synonymous with victory, and the chapter of his life in which he actually reigns as champ registers barely as a footnote.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "barely a footnote" when you want to downplay the significance of something in relation to a larger context or event.

Common error

Avoid using "barely a footnote" too frequently, as it can diminish the impact of your writing. Opt for more precise language to convey degrees of importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barely a footnote" functions as an idiomatic expression to downplay the significance or relevance of something. It suggests that the subject is so minor that it's almost negligible, like a note at the bottom of a page that could easily be missed. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "barely a footnote" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something of minimal importance. It's frequently used in news and media contexts to downplay the significance of a particular detail. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's wise to avoid overuse and consider more precise language when appropriate. Related phrases, such as "just a footnote" or "hardly a footnote", can offer subtle variations in meaning. When aiming to convey insignificance, "barely a footnote" provides a readily understood and widely accepted expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practically a footnote

Emphasizes the insignificance even more strongly.

just a footnote

A more straightforward way of saying something is unimportant.

hardly a footnote

Similar in meaning, but with a slightly more formal tone.

only a footnote

Highlights the limited relevance of something.

merely a footnote

Indicates that something is nothing more than a minor detail.

almost a footnote

Suggests something is close to being insignificant.

scarcely a mention

Shifts the focus to the lack of recognition something receives.

a minor detail

Replaces the metaphor of a footnote with a more literal expression of insignificance.

of little consequence

Indicates that something has minimal impact or importance.

hardly noteworthy

Focuses on the lack of noteworthiness or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "barely a footnote" in a sentence?

You can use "barely a footnote" to minimize the importance of something, for instance, "The incident was "just a footnote" in the overall history of the company".

What are some alternatives to saying "barely a footnote"?

Alternatives include phrases like "hardly a footnote", "merely a footnote", or "a minor detail", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "barely a footnote" in formal writing?

Yes, "barely a footnote" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when you need to concisely convey that something is of minimal importance or relevance.

What's the difference between "barely a footnote" and "insignificant"?

"Barely a footnote" is a figurative expression suggesting something is so minor it's almost omitted, whereas "insignificant" is a more direct and literal statement of unimportance. "Barely a footnote" adds color to the expression.