barely relevant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barely relevant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has little significance or importance in relation to the main topic or issue being discussed. Example: "The information provided was barely relevant to the main argument of the paper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The weapons of mass destruction (WMD) issue was barely relevant.

The Guardian

But age, Ms. Rivera said, is barely relevant.

The New York Times

Whether Amis or any other individual is racist is barely relevant.

The Guardian - Opinion

The dust-jacket photograph, though barely relevant to an appreciation of a novel, seals the ownership.

The Guardian - Books

The music they've done when you sign them is barely relevant.

The Guardian - Business

MUSEUMS USED TO stand for something old, dusty, boring and barely relevant to real life.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

In a weird way, I love those barely-relevant series in May against mediocre teams as much as I love the tautness of a tight playoff match-up in October.

Huffington Post

Don't describe a barely-relevant character in heavy detail, for example.

WikiHow

The statistically significant changes in HRQOL (in the Role Physical and Social Functioning dimensions) were, due to sample size, barely clinically relevant.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Not only was the settlement dismissed by most observers as a paltry sum, but the DPT appears to have been barely, if at all, relevant.

The Guardian - Tech

The American officials described an Iraqi government that seems to be on the brink of collapse, barely existing as a relevant force in the country, undone not by the removal of its leaders but by the gradual destruction of the leadership's ability to command and communicate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "barely relevant", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is barely relevant to. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Don't use "barely relevant" when you mean 'irrelevant'. "Barely relevant" suggests a slight connection, while 'irrelevant' means there is no connection at all.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barely relevant" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing the extent to which something is related or applicable to a particular matter. It indicates a minimal degree of connection. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

17%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "barely relevant" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something with a minimal connection to a particular topic. As Ludwig confirms, it's versatile enough for various contexts, maintaining a neutral tone. While alternatives like "marginally applicable" or "remotely connected" exist, understanding the subtle nuances of "barely relevant" ensures precise communication. Be mindful not to confuse it with 'irrelevant', which implies no connection whatsoever. Ludwig's analysis shows the phrase is frequently found in news and media, reflecting its widespread use in everyday discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarcely pertinent

Highlights the lack of direct bearing on the matter, a close synonym.

marginally applicable

Indicates a slight degree of applicability, differing in emphasis from relevance.

tangentially related

Implies an indirect connection, unlike direct relevance.

remotely connected

Suggests a distant relationship, diverging from direct relevance.

hardly significant

Emphasizes the lack of importance, a different facet of relevance.

of little consequence

Focuses on the minor impact, diverging from direct topical connection.

of minor importance

Emphasizes the lack of significance, a facet of limited relevance.

minimally important

Emphasizes the lack of importance.

almost immaterial

Suggests near inconsequentiality, unlike simple relevance.

technically applicable

Suggests a formal connection, diverging from practical relevance.

FAQs

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

Use "barely relevant" to describe something with a weak connection to the topic at hand. For example, "The witness's testimony was "barely relevant" to the case."

What's a good alternative to "barely relevant"?

Depending on the context, consider using phrases like "marginally applicable", "remotely connected", or "hardly significant".

Is it appropriate to use "barely relevant" in formal writing?

Yes, "barely relevant" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure your word choice matches the tone, and consider synonyms like "scarcely pertinent" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "barely relevant" and "irrelevant"?

"Barely relevant" means there's a minimal connection, while "irrelevant" means there's no connection at all. Something that is "barely relevant" might have a tenuous link, but something irrelevant does not.