insignificant detail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "insignificant detail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a minor or unimportant aspect of a situation or topic. Example: "While the report was thorough, it included several insignificant details that did not affect the overall findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The title explains the subject, an insignificant detail of the landscape.

The New York Times - Arts

That may sound like an insignificant detail, but in Jacques Becker's work the details are everything.

The New York Times

The fact that it would have collapsed if not for the government's repeated bailouts is viewed as an insignificant detail.

The New York Times

They are often seen in the dirt looking like figures so miniature that they become a small, insignificant detail — just as incidental as the surrounding rubbish".

The New Yorker

Mr. Miller sees his own work as a battle between corporate life and death, with the money spent on photocopies and dry cleaning an insignificant detail.

The New York Times

This is not an insignificant detail when your children want to tackle the mountain by themselves, as all kids eventually will ask to do.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

In Riverside, to nit- pick is "to be concerned with or critical of insignificant details".

The New York Times - Magazine

Even "small and apparently insignificant details can have major impacts on people's behavior," the authors write.

The New York Times - Books

And Edwards found meaning in seemingly insignificant details, the kind that Holmes might note — particularly, the partially empty bottle of gin by his bed.

The New Yorker

Admittedly, my apology is belated, less about accidentally broken baubles, more about deliberate criminality, and I'm not enclosing money, I'm scheming for free goods, but let's not quibble over tiny insignificant details.

The Guardian - Opinion

From those crumbs of footage, he has extrapolated a twisted world, fabricating genealogies between the figures glimpsed on the screen and spinning stories out of apparently insignificant details – a smudge on the wall, a suspicious presence in the background.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "insignificant detail" to contrast with more important aspects, highlighting the relative importance of different elements in your text.

Common error

Avoid dedicating excessive time or attention to what truly are "insignificant details" in your writing. Maintain focus on central arguments and critical information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "insignificant detail" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "insignificant" modifies the noun "detail". Ludwig AI suggests that it correctly denotes a trivial or unimportant piece of information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "insignificant detail" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a minor or unimportant aspect of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media, serving to downplay less essential elements. When using the phrase, ensure it truly applies and consider alternatives like "minor detail" or "trivial detail" for nuanced contexts. Be cautious not to overuse it dismissively, and always assess if the detail's insignificance is universally agreed upon. This careful application enhances clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor detail

Replaces "insignificant" with "minor", suggesting something small or less important.

trivial detail

Substitutes "insignificant" with "trivial", emphasizing the lack of importance or seriousness.

unimportant detail

Replaces "insignificant" with "unimportant", directly stating the lack of significance.

negligible detail

Uses "negligible" instead of "insignificant", indicating that the detail is so small it can be disregarded.

small detail

Replaces "insignificant" with "small", focusing on the size or scale of the detail.

inconsequential detail

Uses "inconsequential" instead of "insignificant", highlighting that the detail has no significant consequences.

irrelevant detail

Substitutes "insignificant" with "irrelevant", suggesting the detail is not pertinent to the matter at hand.

minuscule detail

Replaces "insignificant" with "minuscule", focusing on the extremely small size of the detail.

paltry detail

Uses "paltry" instead of "insignificant", emphasizing that the detail is worthless or contemptibly small.

trifling detail

Substitutes "insignificant" with "trifling", indicating the detail is frivolous and of little consequence.

FAQs

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

You can use "insignificant detail" to describe a minor aspect that doesn't impact the overall situation. For instance, "The report focused on the core issues, overlooking the "insignificant detail" of office supplies."

What are some alternatives to "insignificant detail"?

You can use alternatives like "minor detail", "trivial detail", or "unimportant detail" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to dismiss something as an "insignificant detail"?

No, be cautious when labeling something as an "insignificant detail". What seems unimportant to one person may hold significance for another or become relevant later. Always consider the broader context.

What's the difference between ""insignificant detail"" and "minor detail"?

While both terms indicate a low level of importance, "insignificant detail" implies the detail has very little to no value, whereas "minor detail" simply suggests it is less important compared to other aspects.