essential detail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "essential detail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a crucial piece of information that is necessary for understanding or completing a task. Example: "In order to fully grasp the concept, you must pay attention to the essential detail mentioned in the text."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Essential detail: Jaron learned to shave watching YouTube videos of Turkish barbers in Istanbul.

The Guardian

Typical, except for one essential detail: Mr. O'Neal is an African-American, still a rarity in the executive suites of the biggest investment banks and brokerage firms.

The New York Times

Perhaps, by dint of patience, but everyone seems to have overlooked an essential detail: the legendary prince and princess wanted to stay together forever.

The Guardian

For all the preparations to deal with the crowd, it appeared that the police forgot at least one essential detail -- water for the officers who were weighed down with body armor and riot helmets.

The New York Times

The roots of that discrimination are nourished by a society that considers gender matters an essential detail to be filed, stamped, indexed, and generally pushed upon every individual without exception.

Independent

Sinusitis, otitis, bronchitis (inflammation of the sinuses, the ears, and the bronchi, respectively), and pneumonia occur commonly in children and do not differ in essential detail from the same diseases in adults.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

These are essential details for your statement.

The New York Times

"I don't remember the essential details.

The New York Times - Books

Essential details, it turns out, were made up.

The New York Times

[8] To the trained observer, the photograph provides essential details.

The New York Times

Will we ask about essential details — the range or the payload of these weapons?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, explicitly state why the detail is essential in the context. This prevents ambiguity and underscores its significance.

Common error

Avoid using "essential detail" for aspects that are merely helpful or interesting, rather than fundamentally necessary. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact when you need to highlight truly critical information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "essential detail" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "essential" modifies the noun "detail". It serves to highlight a specific piece of information as being crucial or necessary. As Ludwig AI says, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "essential detail" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that effectively highlights the criticality of specific information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it's not overwhelmingly common, its usage spans various contexts, particularly news, media, and scientific writing. To use it effectively, ensure the "essential detail" is genuinely crucial and clearly explain why it is so. Overuse can diminish its impact, so reserve it for truly vital information. Alternatives like ""key element"" or ""crucial aspect"" can provide variety while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key element

Focuses on the component that is critical.

vital component

Highlights the importance of the element for overall function.

crucial aspect

Emphasizes the importance of the aspect being considered.

necessary feature

Indicates a feature that is required.

fundamental point

Highlights the foundational nature of the point.

critical factor

Emphasizes the role of the factor in determining an outcome.

significant aspect

Focuses on the notable quality of the aspect.

primary consideration

Highlights what should be considered first.

basic requirement

Highlights what is needed.

core ingredient

Focuses on what constitutes a foundation.

FAQs

How can I use "essential detail" in a sentence?

You can use "essential detail" to highlight a crucial piece of information necessary for understanding something. For instance, "The "essential detail" in this report is the budget allocation for the next quarter."

What are some alternatives to "essential detail"?

Alternatives include "key element", "vital component", or "crucial aspect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "essential detail" since details are already specific?

While details are generally specific, "essential detail" emphasizes that a particular piece of information is not just specific, but absolutely necessary for understanding or action. It's a way to prioritize information for the reader.

When should I avoid using the phrase "essential detail"?

Avoid using "essential detail" when the information you're referring to is self-evident or not particularly important. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact. Instead, use it sparingly for truly critical information.