of little consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of little consequence" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is unimportant or not significant. Here is an example: "The results of the experiment were of little consequence, as they did not provide any new insights." In this sentence, "of little consequence" is used to convey that the results did not have much impact or significance. Other examples where this phrase could be used include: - "The spelling errors in the report were of little consequence, as they did not affect the overall message." - "The disagreement between the two colleagues was of little consequence, as it did not affect their working relationship." - "The delay in the project was of little consequence, as it was easily resolved and did not impact the final outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

— of little consequence.

The New York Times

The rule anyway is of little consequence.

The Economist

Strategically, it was of little consequence.

The New Yorker

Individually, these things are of little consequence.

The Guardian

WILL SMITH That is of little consequence.

The Guardian - Film

That turns out to be of little consequence.

MIT Technology Review

Besides, a lot of the closeups are of little consequence.

The New York Times - Sports

That is of little consequence to Mr. Lobe, 57.

The New York Times

As an astronomical body, it is of little consequence.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Taken individually, each step may be of little consequence.

Huffington Post

With respect to the cost effectiveness model, a low compliance rate is of little consequence.

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of little consequence" to downplay the significance of something without dismissing it entirely. This is useful when acknowledging a detail that doesn't substantially affect the main point.

Common error

Avoid using "of little consequence" when something is actually crucial or pivotal. Ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning of minimal importance to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of little consequence" primarily functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject being described is not important or significant. Ludwig shows it's often used to downplay the impact of events or details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of little consequence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that means something is unimportant or insignificant. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It appears most often in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts, suggesting a relatively formal tone. When writing, use this phrase to downplay certain details but be careful not to understate genuine significance. Consider using synonyms like ""inconsequential"" or ""of minor importance"" to achieve a similar effect. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "of little consequence" to improve your writing's clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inconsequential

Provides a single-word adjective that directly conveys the meaning of lacking consequence.

of minor importance

Replaces "consequence" with "importance", slightly altering the emphasis but maintaining the core meaning.

of no great import

Uses "import" instead of "consequence", suggesting a slightly more formal tone.

not particularly significant

Employs a more descriptive structure, focusing on the lack of significance rather than consequence.

relatively unimportant

Highlights the comparative lack of importance, providing a similar nuance.

scarcely relevant

Shifts the focus to relevance, implying that something has minimal bearing on the matter at hand.

hardly matters

Offers a more concise and direct way of expressing the lack of consequence.

not a major issue

Frames the lack of consequence in terms of a problem or concern.

beside the point

Indicates that something is irrelevant to the central issue being discussed.

not worth considering

Suggests that something is so insignificant that it does not merit attention.

FAQs

How can I use "of little consequence" in a sentence?

You can use "of little consequence" to indicate that something is not important or significant in a particular context. For example, "The delay was "of little consequence" because we had plenty of time."

What are some alternatives to saying "of little consequence"?

Alternatives include "inconsequential", "of minor importance", or "relatively unimportant". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it formal to use the phrase "of little consequence"?

The phrase "of little consequence" is considered relatively formal and can be suitable for professional, academic, and news-related contexts. More informal options exist, but this phrase adds a touch of sophistication.

What's the difference between "of little consequence" and "irrelevant"?

"Of little consequence" suggests something has minimal impact or importance, whereas "irrelevant" means it's not even related to the topic. Something can be related but still "of little consequence", but something "irrelevant" is completely disconnected.