SpeakUp

Grammar fix

minor problem

small issue

A minor problem is a small or unimportant issue that does not cause serious difficulty.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • We had a minor problem with the printer, but it was fixed quickly.daily life
  • In my opinion, arriving a few minutes late is only a minor problem, as long as it doesn't happen often.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: minor problem (with/in/for something)

WrongIt's a few minor problem.

RightIt's a minor problem.

'A minor problem' (singular) or 'a few minor problems' (plural) — match the number.

Patternminor problem (with/in/for something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff It was a difficulty of relatively little consequence.

Natural It was just a minor problem.

The paraphrase is wordy; 'minor problem' / 'minor issue' is the natural pairing.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • a minor problem
    a minor problemminor issueonlya couple of

Don't confuse it

'Major problem' means a serious or important issue, while 'minor problem' means the opposite.

Try it in Daily Speak →