insignificant matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "insignificant matter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a topic or issue that is minor or unimportant in the grand scheme of things. For example, "The members of our team disagreed on some minor details, but the disagreement was about an insignificant matter and it did not impact the project greatly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

There is also the not insignificant matter of the dire security situation.

The Guardian

"These people may be well paid, but this is not an insignificant matter".

The New York Times - Tech

But first, there is the not insignificant matter of Mr Ahn.

The Economist

And then there was the not insignificant matter of lifting a few hundred pounds over her head again and again.

The New York Times - Sports

"I called the next day and said, 'I want it.' " There was, however, the not insignificant matter of nudity and the graphic depiction of sexual acts.

The New York Times - Arts

"He didn't do anything," Lukas said about the shoe, like any trainer reporting an insignificant matter just before the most important race of the horse's career.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

And on all but the most insignificant matters they vote the party line.

The Economist

There is also the not-so-insignificant matter of fighting the Pakistani Taliban that is trying to destroy the state.

The New York Times

This is the not-insignificant matter of the shocking, dismaying betrayal of our greatest expectations, and Steel musters his arguments not only with passion but with the facts to back his passion up.

The Guardian - Books

Our accomplishments will make our otherwise insignificant lives matter.

Huffington Post

To make her point that the most insignificant life matters, even in the most class-bound society, Perry employs an irresistibly appealing "Upstairs, Downstairs" perspective.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "insignificant matter" when you want to downplay the importance of a specific issue or detail. This can be useful in negotiations, project management, or everyday conversations to maintain focus on more critical elements.

Common error

Avoid using "insignificant matter" too frequently, as it can come across as dismissive or condescending. Vary your language by using synonyms like "minor detail" or "trivial issue" to maintain a balanced and respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "insignificant matter" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective, indicating that the noun (matter) is not important or of little consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by examples in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "insignificant matter" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe something of little importance. Ludwig AI confirms this, with examples showing its use across various domains, primarily in News & Media and Science. While versatile, it's important to use this phrase judiciously to avoid sounding dismissive. Consider alternatives like "minor detail" or "trivial issue" for nuanced communication. Remember to be mindful of your tone and context to ensure clarity and respect in your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small matter

Simply reduces the scale and importance of the issue.

unimportant detail

Directly states the lack of importance.

of little importance

States directly the lack of weight or value.

trivial issue

Focuses on the unimportance of the issue.

minor detail

Emphasizes that the matter is small and unimportant.

inconsequential thing

Highlights that it doesn't have significance.

negligible concern

Highlights the lack of worry or significance.

petty problem

Conveys the small and often annoying nature of the problem.

irrelevant aspect

Indicates the aspect does not matter in the current context.

non-essential item

Highlights the lack of necessity or importance.

FAQs

How to use "insignificant matter" in a sentence?

You can use "insignificant matter" to refer to a topic or issue that is minor or unimportant. For example, "The disagreement was about an "insignificant matter" and did not impact the project greatly."

What can I say instead of "insignificant matter"?

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

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "insignificant matter"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that something is not worth worrying about or focusing on. However, be mindful of the tone and avoid using it in situations where it might sound dismissive or condescending.

Is "insignificant matter" formal or informal?

The phrase "insignificant matter" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, you might consider using a more sophisticated synonym like "minor detail" or "immaterial point".