minor quibble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minor quibble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small or trivial objection or criticism about something. Example: "While I appreciate the overall quality of the report, I do have a minor quibble regarding the formatting of the references."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Minor quibble: some of the radio switches are too small.

Forbes

First, a minor quibble.

The New Yorker

But it's a minor quibble.

Independent

Still, it's a minor quibble.

Independent

This is a minor quibble.

The New York Times - Books

But that's a minor quibble.

The New York Times

Still, that's a minor quibble.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But this is a minor quibble.

The Economist

Anyway, minor quibble aside, it's great.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But it's a minor quibble in an otherwise flawless film".

The New York Times

But, given the quality, this is a minor quibble.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "minor quibble" to acknowledge a small imperfection or reservation without undermining the overall positive assessment. This approach maintains a balanced and credible tone.

Common error

Avoid using "minor quibble" when addressing significant flaws or issues that have major consequences. Employing it in such scenarios can diminish the seriousness of the problem and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minor quibble" functions as a noun phrase typically used to introduce a point of disagreement or a small critique. It softens criticism by framing it as relatively unimportant. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "minor quibble" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to introduce a small objection or criticism. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to acknowledge an imperfection without detracting from an overall positive assessment. It appears frequently in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using "minor quibble", ensure that the issue truly is minor to maintain credibility and avoid undermining your evaluation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small complaint

Focuses on the complaining aspect, minimizing the significance.

slight objection

Emphasizes the mild nature of the disagreement.

minor concern

Highlights the unimportance of the worry

slight issue

Focuses on the mild nature of the issue

trivial concern

Highlights the unimportance of the issue.

insignificant criticism

Underscores the lack of impact of the critique.

trivial detail

Highlights the insignificance of the detail

small detail

Focuses on the reduced magnitude of the detail.

petty grievance

Suggests the complaint is small-minded or frivolous.

small matter

Downplays the importance of the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "minor quibble" to introduce a small criticism after making a positive statement. For example, "The presentation was excellent; my only "minor quibble" is that the font size was too small".

What are some alternatives to "minor quibble"?

Alternatives include "small complaint", "slight objection", or "trivial concern", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "minor quibble" is appropriate for formal writing, but use it sparingly. Overuse can make your writing seem nitpicky. In some cases, more direct language might be preferable.

What's the difference between "minor quibble" and "major flaw"?

"Minor quibble" refers to a small, easily overlooked issue, whereas "major flaw" indicates a significant problem that substantially impacts the overall quality or function of something. A "major flaw" is much more serious than a "minor quibble".