minor problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"minor problem" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a small problem or issue that is relatively easy to solve. For example: The project was running smoothly, but then we encountered a minor problem that took us a few hours to fix.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is no minor problem.

The New Yorker

That is the minor problem.

The New Yorker

There was, however, one minor problem.

The New York Times - Sports

Repetition is a minor problem, too.

The New York Times

This is not a minor problem.

The New York Times

There was just one minor problem.

The New York Times - Travel

"Women who become priests are a minor problem.

The Guardian

There is a minor problem: Edgar is already married.

The Guardian - Books

You may think this is a minor problem.

The New York Times

The development has not come without some minor problem.

The New York Times

This was more than a minor problem in 1998.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "minor problem" to downplay the severity of an issue, especially when communicating with stakeholders who might be easily alarmed. It helps maintain a calm and solution-oriented tone.

Common error

Avoid using "minor problem" to describe issues that have significant consequences or require substantial resources to resolve. This can lead to mistrust and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minor problem" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "minor" modifies the noun "problem". It describes a situation that presents a small or insignificant difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "minor problem" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a small or insignificant difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid using it to downplay serious issues. Alternatives like "small issue" or "slight difficulty" can provide nuanced variations depending on the desired tone and context. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain clarity and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue", softening the tone slightly.

minor setback

Focuses on the obstacle aspect, downplaying its severity.

slight difficulty

Uses more formal language to convey a similar meaning.

insignificant setback

Emphasizes the temporary and unimportant nature of the problem.

trivial concern

Highlights the lack of importance of the problem.

manageable difficulty

Highlights the ease with which the problem can be resolved.

minor inconvenience

Focuses on the trouble caused, minimizing its overall impact.

small hiccup

Implies a brief and easily overcome disruption.

slight hitch

Suggests a minor impediment or obstacle.

small snag

Implies a small, unexpected difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "minor problem" to describe a small, easily resolved issue. For example, "There was a "minor problem" with the software update, but we fixed it quickly."

What are some alternatives to saying "minor problem"?

Alternatives to "minor problem" include "small issue", "slight difficulty", or "insignificant setback", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "minor problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "minor problem" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider alternatives like "slight difficulty" or "manageable difficulty" if you want a more sophisticated tone.

When should I avoid using the phrase "minor problem"?

Avoid using "minor problem" if the issue has potentially serious consequences or requires significant resources to resolve. In such cases, it's better to use more accurate and descriptive language.