minor part

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minor part" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used to describe a smaller, less significant portion of something. Example: "The introduction is only a minor part of the essay, but it sets the tone for the entire piece."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A minor part?

The Guardian

Ideology plays only a minor part.

The Economist

Fish and birds were a minor part of the diet.

Britannica

The Listener is a relatively minor part of the BBC.

The New York Times

It was a very minor part of the scene.

The Guardian - Music

"Most legislators considered it a minor part of the bill".

The New York Times

"I say the sanctions played a minor part".

The New York Times

He has a minor part as a malevolent henchman.

The New York Times

"The dress is a minor part of your wedding.

The New York Times

Dinosaurs existed, but were a minor part of the fauna.

The Economist

But that's actually a very minor part of it.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "minor part", ensure the context clearly establishes what the "minor part" is a part of. This provides necessary context and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "minor part" when the element actually plays a crucial, even if subtle, role. Accurately assess the significance of the element before labeling it as a "minor part".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minor part" primarily functions as a modifier + noun construction. It describes a component or aspect of something larger that is considered less important, significant, or extensive. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "minor part" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a less significant component of something larger. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, from formal writing to everyday conversation. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. When using "minor part", ensure you accurately reflect the importance of the element and provide clear context to avoid any ambiguity. Related phrases include "minor role" and "insignificant portion", which offer similar meanings but with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor role

Replaces "part" with "role", emphasizing function rather than a segment.

insignificant portion

Uses "insignificant" to stress the lack of importance and "portion" as a synonym for "part".

small component

Emphasizes that the "part" is a piece within a larger system.

secondary element

Highlights that the "part" is not primary or essential.

peripheral aspect

Indicates that the "part" is on the edge or not central.

negligible fraction

Focuses on the "part" being so small it's almost not worth considering.

marginal segment

Positions the "part" as being on the boundary or edge of importance.

limited piece

Stresses the restricted size or scope of the "part".

subordinate detail

Points out that the "part" is less important than other details.

ancillary item

Suggests the "part" is supplementary and not a core element.

FAQs

How can I use "minor part" in a sentence?

Use "minor part" to describe something that constitutes a smaller or less significant portion of a whole. For instance, "The budget allocated to marketing was only a "minor part" of the overall expenses".

What are some alternatives to "minor part"?

You can use alternatives such as "small component", "insignificant portion", or "secondary element" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to describe something as a "minor part"?

No, it's crucial to accurately assess the significance of the element. If the element, despite its size, has a critical impact, then describing it as a "minor part" would be misleading. Consider alternatives that better reflect its true importance.

What's the difference between "minor part" and "small part"?

While similar, "minor part" emphasizes the element's lack of importance or significance, whereas "small part" simply highlights its limited size or scope. The choice depends on whether you want to downplay its impact or simply describe its physical dimensions.