mere technicality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mere technicality" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where a minor detail or rule is being emphasized, often in a way that suggests it is unimportant compared to the larger issue at hand. Example: "The contract was not signed on the correct date, but that is just a mere technicality that can be easily resolved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Upcoming national elections are a mere technicality.

The Economist

This is not a mere technicality.

The Washington Post

It's as if tax increases were a mere technicality in any deficit-reduction plan.

The New York Times

The fact that any soap had touched his hand was a mere technicality.

The Washington Post

Reaching an agreement on the final bill, however, is far from a mere technicality.

The New Yorker

All told, Molière's authorship is a mere technicality; few have cared about this play for centuries.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

But they are not mere technicalities.

The Economist

Some of these linguistic issues, of course, are mere technicalities.

The New Yorker

GVC again reassured him all was well and the delays were mere technicalities, he claims.

Independent

The constitutional issues raised by Trump's executive order are not mere technicalities.

The Washington Post

Not so, according to a friend of mine at the time who said: "Those are mere technicalities.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mere technicality" when you want to downplay the importance of a detail, especially when it contrasts with a larger, more significant issue. This can add emphasis to your argument by illustrating a disproportionate focus on minutiae.

Common error

Avoid using "mere technicality" excessively, as it can come across as dismissive or condescending. Overuse diminishes its impact and can alienate your audience. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "minor detail" or "trivial issue" to maintain a balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mere technicality" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject complement or object. It identifies something as a detail of little practical importance, especially compared to a more significant issue. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mere technicality" is a noun phrase that describes a detail or rule considered insignificant, especially when compared to a larger issue. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts and serves to dismiss or downplay the importance of the subject. While grammatically correct, it's important to be mindful of its potential to sound dismissive. Alternatives such as "minor detail" or "trivial issue" can be used for a more neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

technical triviality

Reverses the adjective-noun order while keeping the meaning close.

minor detail

Focuses on the detail itself rather than its perceived importance.

triviality

Emphasizes the lack of importance or seriousness.

insignificant detail

Directly states the lack of significance of the detail.

minor point

Highlights the point as being of little consequence.

unimportant detail

Directly states that the detail lacks importance.

minor formality

Combines the concepts of 'minor' and 'formality' to downplay importance of procedure.

legal nicety

Specifically refers to a minor legal detail.

petty detail

Emphasizes the small and potentially irritating nature of the detail.

formality

Underscores adherence to form over substance.

FAQs

How can I use "mere technicality" in a sentence?

You can use "mere technicality" to downplay the importance of a specific detail or rule, especially when compared to a larger issue. For example, "The missing signature was a "mere technicality" that didn't affect the agreement's validity."

What is a good substitute for "mere technicality"?

Alternatives to "mere technicality" include "minor detail", "trivial issue", or "insignificant detail". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "mere technicality"?

It's appropriate to use "mere technicality" when you want to suggest that a rule or detail is being overemphasized, especially when it doesn't significantly impact the overall outcome or situation. However, consider whether using it might sound dismissive.

What is the difference between "mere technicality" and "technicality"?

Adding "mere" emphasizes the perceived insignificance or unimportance of the technicality. While "technicality" simply refers to a technical detail or rule, "mere technicality" indicates that the speaker or writer believes it's not worth serious consideration.