insignificant compared to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "insignificant compared to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a comparison to highlight that one thing is of lesser importance or value than another. Example: "The cost of the project is insignificant compared to the potential benefits it will bring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The bell's latest move is relatively insignificant compared to its past wanderings.

The New York Times - Tech

It all seemed so insignificant compared to people getting killed out there.

The Guardian - Music

Our differences are insignificant compared to what we have in common.

The Guardian - Books

The pressure she felt then must have been insignificant compared to what she has faced this week.

The Guardian - Sport

The president of Bolivia's National Chamber of Mining, Saturnino Ramos, said any blame by the industry was "insignificant compared to climate change".

The Guardian

Canada, which exports skins and products from about 300 polar bears legally shot each year, says the trade is insignificant compared to the threat of global warming.

The Guardian

He wrote that any alcohol Mr. Desdunes consumed after he was kidnapped by the pledges "was relatively insignificant compared to what Desdunes apparently had consumed earlier".

The New York Times

The influenza vaccine does not contain live virus – the most inconvenience a small number of people experience is local discomfort and minor malaise, insignificant compared to the damage the illness wreaks on the person.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The 315 horses adopted directly is insignificant compared to the number of people who have gone to the site," said Karen Malloy, the director of the bureau's Internet adoption program.

The New York Times

Collection emissions were insignificant compared to the benefits of recycling.

Waste Management

Narrow, vertical product use cases often seem insignificant compared to the promise of a platform.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "insignificant compared to", ensure the items being compared are clearly defined to provide context and clarity. This helps the reader understand the scale of the difference being emphasized.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the difference to the point where it seems unbelievable. While aiming to highlight a contrast, maintain a balanced perspective and ensure the comparison remains credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "insignificant compared to" functions as a prepositional phrase used to establish a comparative relationship. It indicates that one element is of lesser importance, value, or magnitude than another. Ludwig AI shows this in numerous examples where varied subjects are deemed inconsequential when juxtaposed with something more substantial.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "insignificant compared to" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that serves to draw a distinction between two items, emphasizing the lesser importance or magnitude of one relative to the other. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently across various contexts, including news media, scientific literature, and business communications. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's crucial to ensure that the comparison is logical and relevant to the context, avoiding exaggeration or misrepresentation. For alternative phrasing, options like "minor in relation to" or "trivial when set against" can be employed to achieve a similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negligible next to

Highlights that the first element is so small it can be ignored when compared.

minor in relation to

Focuses on the aspect of being less important, emphasizing the connection between the two elements.

unsubstantial beside

Emphasizes the lack of substance or importance when placed next to something else.

secondary to

Focuses on the order of importance, indicating the first element is less crucial.

trivial when set against

Highlights the contrast, suggesting the first element is of little value compared to the second.

irrelevant alongside

Suggests the first element has no bearing on the second, highlighting a lack of connection.

pale in comparison to

Uses a visual metaphor to suggest something is weak or faded next to something more vibrant.

subordinate to

Emphasizes a hierarchical relationship where one element is under the control or influence of the other.

dwarfed by

Emphasizes the size difference, suggesting the first element is much smaller than the second.

overshadowed by

Suggests one thing is hidden or made less noticeable by something more prominent.

FAQs

How can I use "insignificant compared to" in a sentence?

Use "insignificant compared to" to highlight that one thing is of lesser importance or value than another. For example, "The initial investment is "insignificant compared to" the long-term profits."

What are some alternatives to "insignificant compared to"?

Alternatives include "minor in relation to", "trivial when set against", or "pale in comparison to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "insignificant compared to"?

While grammatically correct, ensure the comparison is relevant and logical. Avoid using it in contexts where the difference might be subjective or not easily quantifiable.

What's the difference between "insignificant compared to" and "small compared to"?

"Insignificant compared to" emphasizes a lack of importance or value, while "small compared to" focuses on size or quantity. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight importance or magnitude.