little issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"little issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a minor issue or problem. For example, "We encountered a little issue with the delivery, but we were able to fix it quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Sports

General Discussion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

The first is the little issue of the law.

The Economist

"It is a little issue," Mr. Zamanzai said.

The New York Times

Technically, there is one little issue we're working on.

The Guardian - Sport

And then there is the little issue of ISDS.

The Guardian

Second, give the gorgeous little issue of your love a plainly English name.

Independent

"We're having a little issue with the consistency of the seed," Cappellazzo said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

And then there's that little niggling issue.

The New York Times

A thousand little issues came home to roost".

The New Yorker

People call him all the time about little issues in life — marriage issues, children's issues.

The New York Times

"We're not going to give up because of these little issues," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

"Compared to other problems, I know I have little issues right now," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "little issue", follow up with a concrete explanation or proposed solution to show you are addressing the issue, even if it's minor.

Common error

Avoid using "little issue" repeatedly or when addressing serious problems. Overusing the phrase can make you sound insincere or uncaring.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It is used to describe a problem or matter that is considered minor or insignificant. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Tech

20%

General Discussion

15%

Less common in

Sports

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "little issue" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a minor problem or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. It appears frequently in news and media, tech articles, and general discussions. When writing, remember that it’s most effective for downplaying the seriousness of a situation, but avoid using it to minimize legitimate concerns. Alternatives such as "minor problem" or "small matter" can also be considered depending on the context. Always be mindful of your audience to show respect, as minimizing an issue can be perceived as dismissive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor problem

Emphasizes the insignificance of the problem.

small matter

Focuses on the limited importance or scope of the subject.

trivial concern

Highlights the unimportance of the worry or issue.

slight difficulty

Indicates a problem that is not severe or challenging.

insignificant detail

Points to a specific aspect that is unimportant overall.

mere technicality

Suggests the issue is only relevant in a formal or legal sense.

minor setback

Implies a temporary and small obstacle.

small hiccup

Describes a brief and unimportant disruption.

petty quibble

Denotes a very minor objection or complaint.

trifling matter

Highlights the insignificance and lack of importance of the subject.

FAQs

What does "little issue" mean?

The phrase "little issue" refers to a minor problem or concern that is not expected to cause significant difficulty or disruption. It's used to downplay the seriousness of a situation.

How can I use "little issue" in a sentence?

You can use "little issue" to introduce a minor problem or to reassure someone that a problem is not serious. For example: "We had a "minor problem" with the software, but it's been resolved."

Which is correct, "little issue" or "small issue"?

Both "little issue" and "small issue" are correct and have virtually identical meanings. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What are some synonyms for "little issue"?

Some synonyms for "little issue" include "minor problem", "small matter", and "trivial concern". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.