negligible detail

USAGE SUMMARY

"negligible detail" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing a small detail or fact that is not particularly important or significant. For example: "We discussed the project in great detail, but the issue of cost was treated as a negligible detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Out of this apparently negligible detail Leventhal fashioned a hideous instrument of torture.

The New Yorker

** The order in which the items of a collection are arranged may seem a negligible detail, but for the writer or the editor to whom the duty of arrangement falls it matters considerably.

The New Yorker

Its defense since then has been that the collection of telephone metadata is simultaneously a negligible detail and absolutely crucial, the only thing keeping more planes from hitting New York.

The New Yorker

The order in which the items of a collection are arranged may seem a negligible detail, but for the writer or the editor to whom the duty of arrangement falls it matters considerably.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

For true believers, even seemingly negligible details can have profound effects.

The New York Times

In his plays, it's the negligible details that somehow excite the audience and turn their imagination inwards to their own memories.

The Guardian

Once you tell them, they say: "Oh, of course!" As time has gone on, I've become more and more preoccupied with these negligible details – it's really all behaviour consists of.

The Guardian

It's an idea that has preoccupied me ever since I was a medical student and on the stage I'm preoccupied by those negligible details of action – the trivial details of what people are doing when they're saying something are often left out in theatre.

The Guardian

This quasi-universal principle and its limitations leave non-negligible details to national or regional regulatory or jurisprudential fine-tuning.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

This is not a negligible point.

The Guardian - Books

Such details have negligible effects on the numerical results presented below, for which c ϵ < < 1 (as expected for all but very highly expressed proteins) and w ≈ 1.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "negligible detail" to downplay the significance of a minor point, especially when contrasting it with more important aspects of a situation. For example, "While the report contained some errors, they were dismissed as a "negligible detail" in the overall context."

Common error

Avoid using "negligible detail" to dismiss potentially significant issues. Ensure the detail truly is unimportant before categorizing it as such. A premature dismissal can lead to overlooking crucial information. Always consider the broader context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "negligible detail" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "negligible" modifies the noun "detail". Ludwig AI confirms its correctness for indicating a minor or insignificant aspect.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "negligible detail" is a phrase used to describe an aspect or element of something that is considered insignificant or unimportant. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media and scientific contexts. Related phrases include "small detail", "trivial detail", and "unimportant detail". When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the detail is truly insignificant and that using "negligible detail" won't undermine your argument or dismiss important concerns. As Ludwig suggests, "negligible detail" is a useful phrase for downplaying minor points, especially when contrasting them with more important aspects of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small detail

A more general term indicating a detail of limited size or importance.

unimportant detail

Directly states that the detail lacks importance.

trivial detail

Highlights the lack of significance or value of the detail.

inconsequential detail

Indicates the detail has no impact or effect on the outcome.

petty detail

Emphasizes the smallness and unimportance of the detail, often with a negative connotation.

trifling detail

Suggests the detail is so unimportant as to be not worth considering.

minimal detail

Suggests the detail is present in the smallest possible amount or degree.

marginal detail

Suggests the detail is on the edge or periphery and thus not central.

minuscule detail

Highlights that the detail is exceptionally small, almost unnoticeable.

infinitesimal detail

Implies the detail is so small as to be almost immeasurable or non-existent.

FAQs

How can I use "negligible detail" in a sentence?

You can use "negligible detail" to describe a minor aspect or element that doesn't significantly impact the overall outcome or situation. For example: "The slight delay was a "negligible detail" compared to the project's overall success."

What are some alternatives to "negligible detail"?

Alternatives include "small detail", "trivial detail", or "unimportant detail". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "negligible detail" in formal writing?

Yes, "negligible detail" is suitable for formal writing, but ensure the context warrants its use. It's important the detail genuinely holds little significance to avoid undermining your argument.

How does "negligible detail" differ from "substantial detail"?

"Negligible detail" refers to an insignificant aspect, while "substantial detail" indicates a significant or important element. They are opposites in terms of the level of importance assigned to the detail.