subtle detail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subtle detail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or understated aspect of something that may not be immediately obvious but is significant. Example: "The artist's use of color added a subtle detail that enhanced the overall mood of the painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Reza is the mistress of subtle detail.

Independent

The size isn't overwhelming, and it has enough subtle detail to keep it interesting.

The New York Times

With his gift for subtle detail, he looks at home on the big screen.

The New York Times

It filtered out nuance, eliminated subtle detail and changed the timbre of instruments.

The New York Times - Arts

The conservation efforts revealed a wealth of subtle detail and became an occasion to rediscover Cellini's technical and artistic genius.

The New York Times - Arts

The book succeeds largely through vivid watercolor illustrations that meld ink-brush abstraction and subtle detail into a gorgeous fantasy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

It is unexpected, virtuosic, funny, arbitrary, subtle, detailed, poetic.

The New York Times - Arts

What poetry is all about is paying attention to subtle details.

The New Yorker

Many of Mozart's effects come from subtle details in the scoring.

The New York Times - Arts

Although the visual appearance of games will be striking, much of the added realism comes from subtle details, he said.

The New York Times

But Okazaki excels in the small, subtle details, and his style is perfect for Leicester's game plan.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision in your writing, use "subtle detail" to pinpoint aspects that, while not immediately apparent, significantly contribute to the overall impact or understanding. It adds depth and sophistication to your expression.

Common error

Avoid using "subtle detail" when the subtlety is already implied. For instance, phrases like "extremely subtle detail" can be redundant. Instead, consider emphasizing the importance or impact of the detail directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subtle detail" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective 'subtle' modifies the noun 'detail'. It is used to describe a characteristic of a detail, indicating that it's not immediately obvious or easily noticed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is valid and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

28%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "subtle detail" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase, according to Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to highlight non-obvious yet important aspects in various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Science. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid redundancy by using it judiciously. Related phrases like "nuanced element" or "fine distinction" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas, enriching your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nuanced element

Focuses on the element being nuanced rather than the characteristic of being a detail.

fine distinction

Emphasizes the act of distinguishing something subtle.

delicate nuance

Highlights the delicacy of the nuance involved, shifting focus from the detail itself.

understated aspect

Focuses on the aspect being understated rather than the fact it's a detail.

refined point

Implies a process of refinement in arriving at the detail.

implicit feature

Highlights the feature being implicit, not necessarily detailed or subtle.

minor refinement

Emphasizes the act of refining and the minor nature of it.

slight particularity

Focuses on the particularity being slight, adding a layer of specificity.

low-key component

Highlights the component being low-key, which subtly differs in the meaning.

insignificant particular

Focuses on the particular being insignificant and not subtle

FAQs

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

You can use "subtle detail" to describe a small or understated aspect of something that is important or adds depth. For instance: "The painting's beauty lies in its "subtle detail"."

What can I say instead of "subtle detail"?

You can use alternatives like "nuanced element", "fine distinction", or "delicate nuance" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "subtle detail" and "intricate detail"?

"Subtle detail" refers to a detail that is not immediately obvious, while "intricate detail" refers to a detail that is complex and elaborate. While an intricate detail can be subtle, a "subtle detail" is not necessarily intricate.

Is it correct to say "subtle details"?

Yes, "subtle details" is the plural form and is grammatically correct. It is used when referring to multiple understated aspects. For example: "The effectiveness of the design lies in its "subtle details"."