is very minor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is very minor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is of little importance or significance in a given context. Example: "The error in the report is very minor and can be easily corrected without affecting the overall findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Mr. Dinse also said, "his criminal background is very minor".

The New York Times

By the time it reaches the upper troposphere the contrast with the environment is very minor," Williams says.

The Guardian

Even though "Porte et Soupir" is very minor and entirely bizarre Balanchine, it proved Friday evening's best — most haunting — work.

The New York Times - Arts

He did grab his quarter at the start of the race, but it is very minor and insignificant.

The New York Times - Sports

In the grand scheme of things though, they are not moving very much, and the difference between 'bird' and 'non-bird' at this point is very minor indeed.

The Guardian

He did take time to inform us that Owen Farrell's thigh strain is "very minor", so fears that his autumn with England might be compromised seem exaggerated for now.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Julien said: "It was very minor.

The New York Times - Sports

– but they were very minor.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Believe me, it's very minor in comparison to what they deserve," Riley said.

The New York Times

Your English teacher will tell you witheringly that, for that reason, it's very minor Woolf.

The New Yorker

They might be very minor changes but they seem to have made a big difference.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is very minor", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is being compared to, highlighting the relative insignificance. For instance, "The risk is very minor compared to the potential benefits."

Common error

Avoid using "is very minor" when the issue genuinely warrants more attention. Downplaying a significant problem can lead to misunderstandings or negligence. Always accurately represent the situation's severity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is very minor" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing it as insignificant or of little importance. Ludwig examples show its use in describing damage, threats, and differences as insignificant.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is very minor" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something as insignificant. According to Ludwig, it's frequently used in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being compared, emphasizing its relative insignificance. While versatile, avoid downplaying genuinely significant issues. Alternatives include "is quite trivial" or "is hardly significant" to convey varying degrees of insignificance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is quite trivial

Replaces "very minor" with "quite trivial", suggesting insignificance but perhaps with a slightly more dismissive tone.

is of little consequence

Focuses on the lack of impact or effect, highlighting that the matter does not have serious repercussions.

is relatively unimportant

Indicates that something has limited importance compared to other factors or elements.

is hardly significant

Emphasizes the lack of importance or consequence, using stronger terms like "hardly" and "significant".

is only slight

Indicates that something is small in degree or amount, emphasizing the minimal nature of the issue.

is fairly negligible

Suggests that something is so small or insignificant that it can be ignored or overlooked.

is of marginal importance

Suggests that something has importance, but to a minimal degree and not worthy of special attention.

is not a big deal

Uses a more informal and conversational tone to express that something is not problematic or important.

is scarcely noticeable

Highlights that something is barely perceptible or difficult to detect.

is practically nonexistent

Emphasizes that something is almost absent or does not effectively exist.

FAQs

How can I use "is very minor" in a sentence?

You can use "is very minor" to describe something of little importance. For example, "The damage to the car "is very minor" and easily repairable."

What can I say instead of "is very minor"?

You can use alternatives like "is quite trivial", "is hardly significant", or "is of little consequence" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "is very minor" in formal writing?

Yes, "is very minor" is suitable for formal writing. While not overly sophisticated, it is clear and grammatically correct. However, in certain scientific or highly technical contexts, more precise language might be preferable. For example, you could consider saying "the effect "is statistically insignificant"".

Which is correct, "is very minor" or "is minor"?

"Is minor" is also correct, but "is very minor" adds emphasis to the insignificance. The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you wish to convey.