small point of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small point of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a minor detail or aspect of a larger topic or discussion. Example: "I just wanted to clarify a small point of confusion regarding the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

A small point of protocol?

The Guardian - Opinion

But there is one small point of justice here.

The Guardian

Speaks on the great emphasis on Oriental studies but the small point of contact with the Asian immigrant communities.

The New Yorker

The company — whose name stands for One Small Point of Pride — was founded by Ben Walters, a New Jersey native who relocated to Shanghai in 2003.

The New York Times - Magazine

On a small point of land overlooking a marsh, you can watch egrets poke about in the reeds and ospreys wheel overhead.

The New York Times - Travel

It is subtlety that matters - subtlety of analysis, of inquiry, of concern, of felt pressure - and for subtlety a very small point of entry will do.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The IMF has proposed reducing the range of state-provided health services and increasing small, point-of-delivery charges.

The Economist

Certainly he doesn't criticise Williamson's accuracy, just small points of emphasis.

The Guardian - Books

For Reacher-like sticklers, a few small points of "Never Go Back" can be nitpicked.

The New York Times - Books

To many Protestants and Catholics, these may seem like small points of theology.

The New York Times

There are small points of overlap--both The Left and the Alternative, for example, want more referendums and direct demoracy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small point of" when you want to downplay the significance of a detail without dismissing it entirely. It's useful for acknowledging something without giving it undue weight.

Common error

Avoid using "small point of" when the detail is actually crucial to the argument or situation. Using it inappropriately can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small point of" functions as a qualifier, indicating that the subsequent noun refers to a minor or insignificant detail. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is usable and correct. Examples demonstrate its use in downplaying specific elements within a broader context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "small point of" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to indicate a minor detail or aspect within a larger context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. It's appropriate for use in various registers, from news media to academic writing, and serves to de-emphasize specific elements without dismissing them entirely. When using this phrase, ensure that the detail is genuinely minor to avoid undermining your credibility. Alternative phrases include "minor detail of" and "slight aspect of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor detail of

Focuses on the insignificance of a specific element.

slight aspect of

Emphasizes the limited scope or influence of an element.

trivial matter of

Highlights the unimportance of the issue.

insignificant detail in

Underscores the lack of consequence associated with a detail.

minor consideration regarding

Implies a low level of importance in decision-making.

small element of

Indicates that something is a tiny portion of a larger whole.

technicality in

Highlights a detail only relevant in a specialized context.

nuance of

Emphasizes a subtle distinction or variation.

fine point in

Suggests a subtle and refined detail.

smaller item in

Highlights the comparative size or scale.

FAQs

How can I use "small point of" in a sentence?

You can use "small point of" to introduce a minor detail or aspect, such as, "That's a "small point of" contention in an otherwise successful negotiation."

What are some alternatives to "small point of"?

Alternatives include "minor detail of", "slight aspect of", or "trivial matter of", each emphasizing the insignificance of the issue.

Is it appropriate to use "small point of" in formal writing?

Yes, "small point of" is suitable for formal writing when you need to acknowledge a detail without exaggerating its importance.

What's the difference between "small point of" and "key aspect of"?

"Small point of" indicates a detail of minor importance, while "key aspect of" suggests something fundamental and crucial to the subject.