minute differences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minute differences" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe very small or subtle distinctions between two or more things. Example: "The researchers found minute differences in the behavior of the two species under similar conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each horse is different, and even very similar horses may have different dietary needs based on minute differences in build, condition, and temperament.

WikiHow

In this regard, more minute differences or even the existence of entirely different amplicon families in the Y genealogy may greatly enhance the scale of diversity.

Human Reproduction Update

It was shown that 27Al 2D MQMAS NMR technique can be used for monitoring the minute differences in the surrounding of aluminum T sites, caused by the different templates and the post-synthesis treatments.

Catalysis Today

It has been shown that minute differences in cellulose structure may affect the binding affinity of closely related CBMs differently (Boraston et al. 2003).

AMB Express

Dr. Hill added: "We can recognize minute differences.

The New York Times

Minute differences between samples had to be carefully noted.

The New York Times - Arts

"There are very minute differences in the way they do things," Wilkinson said.

The New York Times - Sports

So umpires are trained to find the most minute differences on a close play.

The New York Times

The quality surveys by which buyers used to set such store are now based on minute differences.

The Economist

Connoisseurs can rhapsodize for hours over the minute differences between neighboring vineyards in Morey-St.-Denis and Chambolle-Musigny, but beer?

The New York Times - Food

Each year, we get fresh forensic analysis of the minute differences between Letterman, Leno, O'Brien, Fallon, Kimmel, Daly, and now Seth Meyers and, on HBO, John Oliver.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "minute differences" when you want to emphasize that the distinctions you are describing are very small and require careful observation to detect.

Common error

Avoid using "minute differences" to describe variations that are, in fact, quite substantial. Ensure that the context accurately reflects the small scale of the differences being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minute differences" functions as a noun phrase, where "minute" modifies the noun "differences". Ludwig AI identifies it as describing very small or subtle distinctions. Examples show it used to highlight subtle variations requiring careful analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "minute differences" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe very small and subtle distinctions. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely employed across various fields, including science, news, and general writing. While alternatives like "slight variations" or "subtle distinctions" exist, "minute differences" emphasizes the need for careful observation. Remember to use it accurately, ensuring the described variations are indeed small, and leverage its precision to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight variations

Emphasizes the small degree of change or difference.

subtle distinctions

Highlights the difficulty in perceiving the differences.

minor discrepancies

Focuses on the lack of alignment or agreement but on a small scale.

negligible variations

Implies the variations are so small they are practically insignificant.

fine-grained distinctions

Highlights the level of detail in the differences.

marginal differences

Indicates that the differences are at the edge or border of being noticeable.

tiny variations

Underscores the small size of the differences.

inconsequential differences

Highlights that the differences do not have important effects or consequences.

imperceptible variations

Focuses on differences that are impossible or difficult to perceive.

hairline differences

Emphasizes the extreme thinness or fineness of the differences.

FAQs

How can I use "minute differences" in a sentence?

You can use "minute differences" to describe subtle distinctions that are difficult to perceive. For example, "The study revealed "minute differences" in the reaction times between the two groups".

What are some alternatives to "minute differences"?

Alternatives include "slight variations", "subtle distinctions", or "minor discrepancies" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "minute differences" versus "major differences"?

"Minute differences" should be used when the variations are very small and not immediately obvious. "Major differences" should be used when the distinctions are significant and easily noticeable.

Can "minute differences" be statistically significant?

Yes, even though "minute differences" may seem unimportant, they can still be statistically significant if they consistently appear across a large dataset or a controlled experiment.