very subtle point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very subtle point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a nuanced or delicate aspect of a topic that may not be immediately obvious. Example: "In her analysis, she highlighted a very subtle point that many readers might overlook."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This is a very subtle point but it is an important one".

The Guardian

This is a very subtle point.

International Journal of STEM Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The last quarter of the book, where the vampire-hunters, after the attack on Mina, go after Dracula in earnest, is very subtle, because at that point Mina's dealings with the fiend have rendered her half vampire.

The New Yorker

Authors' response: We think this is a very subtle although, perhaps, valid semantic point.

Biology Direct

The reviewers point out the surprising activation of pY394 with very subtle changes in pY505, which was addressed in point 1, and the apparent discrepancy between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.

eLife

This correlation could not be revealed in the control sample, and more interestingly, there was no significant volumetric difference between the depressed patients and the control subjects pointing to a very subtle volumetric change related to BDNF secretion.

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience

And he called his alchemist Subtle, exactly to make the point that you could be very subtle and very silly all at the same time.

BBC

In time, it emerged that she may actually have been making a very subtle point that the colonists, technically, were British, that Revere probably never said, "The British are coming," and that, once captured by the redcoats, Revere did warn them that the colonists were planning to give them what for but that she perhaps hadn't realized she was doing so.

The New Yorker

Not very subtle".

Independent

It's very subtle.

The New York Times

He's very subtle.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very subtle point" to highlight insights that require careful consideration and nuanced understanding. This can add depth and sophistication to your analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "very subtle point" when the point being made is actually quite obvious or straightforward. This can undermine your credibility and make your writing seem disingenuous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very subtle point" functions as a noun phrase, where "very subtle" modifies the noun "point". Ludwig AI confirms it's usable in written English. The phrase identifies a particular aspect of a topic that is not immediately obvious and requires careful consideration.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very subtle point" is used to draw attention to a detail or aspect that may not be immediately apparent and requires careful thought. Ludwig AI confirms that is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, suggesting its utility in analytical and informative writing. When employing this phrase, ensure the context provides sufficient background for the reader to grasp the subtlety, and avoid using it when the point is self-evident. Alternatives include "nuanced detail" and "delicate aspect", which offer similar shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicate nuance

Highlights the refined and sensitive nature of the nuance.

slight nuance

Indicates a small but significant variation or difference.

nuanced detail

Emphasizes the presence of a fine, not easily noticed detail.

finely drawn point

Suggests that the point has been carefully and precisely articulated.

delicate aspect

Highlights the sensitivity and finesse required to understand the point.

critical subtlety

Points out the importance of the subtle detail.

fine distinction

Focuses on the precision and clarity of the difference being made.

minor detail

Underscores the subtlety and seemingly insignificant nature of the detail.

imperceptible element

Stresses the difficulty in perceiving or noticing the element.

understated element

Highlights that the element is present but not emphasized.

FAQs

What does "very subtle point" mean?

A "very subtle point" refers to a detail or aspect that is not immediately obvious and requires careful consideration to fully understand. It implies a level of nuance and delicacy.

How to use "very subtle point" in a sentence?

You can use "very subtle point" to highlight a nuanced detail in an argument or analysis, as in: "The author makes a "very subtle point" about the character's motivations that many readers might miss."

What are some alternatives to "very subtle point"?

Alternatives include "nuanced detail", "delicate aspect", or "fine distinction", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "very subtle point" in formal writing?

Yes, "very subtle point" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to emphasize a nuanced or delicate aspect of a topic. However, ensure that the level of formality matches the overall tone of the piece.