surface details

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surface details" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the superficial or outward aspects of something, often in contrast to deeper or more significant elements. Example: "While the report covered the surface details of the project, it failed to address the underlying issues that needed attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Arts

Books

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Although resample module was added in the 3D reconstruction process, the resulting handle is very detailed, which is the result of the surface details of the scanned hand.

BioMed Research International

These surface details are the end of a long story.

The New York Times - Arts

Optical and electron micrographs characterize the surface details.

Applied Surface Science

Mr. Currin, however, is a comparatively lightweight jokester and dweller on surface details.

The New York Times - Arts

"You can see the very fine surface details and blood vessels".

The New York Times - Tech

Thanks to its two new satellites, NASA could now pick out surface details the size of a kitchen table.

The New Yorker

Its opening and closing pieces, though worlds apart in texture and other surface details, were propelled by similar Minimalist engines.

The New York Times - Arts

A few are drawn directly from life, while others borrow only surface details, often altered with dry wit.

The New York Times - Books

Intricate surface details are exactly reproduced by this process, which is used to make masters for pressing phonograph records.

Britannica

But she is careful to keep all but the surface details of their lives in Washington private.

The Washington Post

It is scrupulous in its attention to all the surface details that define time, place and mood.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "surface details" when you want to emphasize the observable, but potentially less important, aspects of a subject. It's useful in contexts where you want to contrast these details with deeper, more significant elements.

Common error

Avoid using "surface details" when you intend to convey that something is trivial or unimportant. "Surface details" simply refers to what is readily apparent, not necessarily what lacks value. Consider using "trivial aspects" or "minor points" if insignificance is what you want to express.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surface details" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object or complement in a sentence. As seen in Ludwig, it describes the readily apparent, often superficial, aspects of a subject. This could relate to visual characteristics, plot elements, or other observable attributes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

25%

Arts

11%

Less common in

Books

7%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "surface details" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes readily apparent aspects of a subject, often in contrast to deeper or more fundamental elements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, primarily in science, news, and arts. While it's important to use this phrase when emphasizing observable characteristics, avoid confusing it with triviality. Alternative phrases like "superficial aspects" or "outward features" can offer nuanced variations depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

superficial aspects

Focuses on the lack of depth or importance.

outward features

Emphasizes the external, visible characteristics.

exterior elements

Highlights components that are on the outside.

visible characteristics

Stresses the aspects that can be seen.

superficial characteristics

Highlights the shallow and not essential aspects.

external attributes

Focuses on the qualities belonging to the outside.

outer characteristics

Emphasizes characteristics on the outer layer.

superficial attributes

Highlights non-essential qualities.

cosmetic features

Implies primarily aesthetic and non-functional aspects.

facade elements

Implies an outer appearance that may be deceptive or incomplete.

FAQs

How can I use "surface details" in a sentence?

You can use "surface details" to describe the visible or easily noticeable aspects of something, as in "The report focused on the "surface details" of the project, overlooking the underlying issues."

What are some alternatives to "surface details"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "superficial aspects", "outward features", or "visible characteristics".

When is it appropriate to focus on "surface details"?

It's appropriate to focus on "surface details" when providing a basic description or overview, or when contrasting these details with deeper, more substantive elements that require further investigation.

What is the difference between "surface details" and "essential features"?

"Surface details" refer to the immediately apparent and often less critical aspects, while "essential features" refer to the fundamental and necessary components that define the core functionality or nature of something.