minor question

USAGE SUMMARY

"minor question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a question that is not particularly important or complicated in comparison to other questions. For example, "John asked a minor question about the presentation slides, which we were quick to answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Minor comments: The only minor question is whether individual neurons release both transmitters.

eLife

Reviewer #1 Minor Comments: I have one minor question, in their new Figure 2, they show unimodal spatial autocorrelation images of the I cells.

eLife

[Editors' note: the author responses to the re-review follow.] Reviewer #1 Minor Comments: I have one minor question, in their new Figure 2, they show unimodal spatial autocorrelation images of the I cells.

eLife

The minor question marks at defensive end are dwarfed by major question marks at defensive tackle.

The New York Times

But it does raise the minor question, how will a robot think for itself?

The Guardian

For four months he presided over the convention, breaking his silence only once upon a minor question of congressional apportionment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

But almost 20 years later, these are minor questions for the museum's 1.7 million annual visitors.

The Washington Post

But when you're all over the place, you tend not to want to bother people with minor questions.

The New York Times

Through the app, the patient regularly connects with the coach, who initiates check-ins and answers minor questions related to the treatment protocol or the patient's symptoms.

Harvard Business Review

He also has many minor questions about whether Father Jesselli owns the couches, the dresser or any number of other objects throughout the Tudor-style house.

The New York Times

Among the truly minor questions settled by Tuesday's presidential election was this one: Would Joe Biden get a chance to play a winner on a sitcom?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "minor question" to clearly indicate that the issue you're addressing is not critical or complex, setting appropriate expectations for the response.

Common error

Avoid using "minor question" when the issue genuinely requires detailed attention or could have significant consequences, as this could undermine its importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minor question" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "minor" modifies the noun "question". It is used to describe a question that is not particularly important or significant. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "minor question" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that serves to indicate an inquiry of low significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is employed across various contexts, including news, scientific discussions, and encyclopedic references. Although not exceedingly common, its usage is consistent and appropriate when the intent is to signal that the issue at hand is not critical. To avoid misrepresentation, it's crucial to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring it accurately reflects the importance—or lack thereof—of the question being posed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

little question

Emphasizes the small importance of the question.

unimportant question

Directly states the lack of importance of the question.

small question

Highlights the reduced size and impact of the question.

marginal question

Indicates the question is on the periphery and not central.

secondary question

Suggests the question is of lower priority.

limited question

Conveys that the scope of the question is restricted.

smaller question

A direct comparison indicating less importance.

lesser question

Implies the question is of lower rank or significance.

smallest question

Indicates the question is minimal in size and importance.

inconsequential question

Stresses the lack of consequence or impact of the question.

FAQs

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

You can use "minor question" to indicate that an inquiry or issue is not particularly important or complex. For instance, "I only have a "minor question" about the project timeline."

What can I say instead of "minor question"?

You can use alternatives like "small question", "unimportant question", or "little question" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "minor question" is appropriate in formal writing to denote an issue of lesser significance. However, ensure that the context genuinely warrants the term to avoid downplaying important concerns.

What's the difference between "minor question" and "major question"?

"Minor question" refers to an issue of low importance or complexity, whereas "major question" indicates a significant, complex, or critical issue that needs thorough consideration.