a frivolous response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a frivolous response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reply that is not serious or lacks depth, often in contexts where a more thoughtful answer is expected. Example: "His comment was dismissed as a frivolous response to the serious issue at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Johnson's spokesman said the mayor had no intention of apologising for a "frivolous response" to a question about his media earnings that he has been asked on "countless occasions".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

David Rocah, an attorney for the ACLU, called the resolution "a frivolous, dangerous and extremist response from the lunatic fringe".

Wikipedia

As a response to the original complaint, Mr. Cohen's lawyers asked a federal judge to penalize Mr. Batista for bringing a frivolous lawsuit.

The New York Times

It's not a frivolous thing.

The New York Times - Sports

That's not a frivolous alarm.

The New York Times

They are not a frivolous pair.

The New Yorker

Scrabble is a frivolous exchange among friends.

The New York Times

"Seduction is not a frivolous thing".

The New Yorker

"This is a frivolous claim.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think it's a frivolous lawsuit".

The New York Times

The immense repertoire had a frivolous side.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a frivolous response" when you want to criticize a reply for being unserious, lacking depth, or inappropriately lighthearted in a situation that calls for more gravity.

Common error

Avoid using "a frivolous response" in highly formal or professional settings where a more neutral or diplomatic tone is required. Consider alternatives like "an inadequate answer" or "an insufficient explanation" to maintain professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a frivolous response" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "frivolous" modifies the noun "response". It's used to describe the quality of a response, indicating that it is not serious or lacks substance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a frivolous response" is used to describe a reply that lacks seriousness or depth. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English. Its usage is more common in news and media and wiki contexts, denoting a neutral register, while it is less usual in scientific, formal or encyclopedic registers. While grammatically sound, it's advisable to consider the context and audience before using this phrase, opting for more neutral alternatives in formal environments such as "an inadequate answer" or "an insufficient explanation". Alternatives such as ""a superficial answer"" or ""a flippant reply"" can also be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a superficial answer

Emphasizes the lack of depth or thoroughness in the response.

a flippant reply

Highlights the disrespectful or casual nature of the answer.

a facetious remark

Suggests the response was intended as a joke, possibly inappropriately.

an insincere answer

Focuses on the lack of genuine feeling or honesty in the reply.

a shallow comment

Highlights the lack of intellectual depth or insight.

a glib statement

Implies the response was smooth and effortless but lacked sincerity.

a thoughtless reaction

Emphasizes the lack of consideration or care in the response.

a trivial reply

Suggests the response addressed unimportant aspects.

a facile answer

Highlights the superficiality and lack of depth in the response.

a dismissive retort

Indicates the response was intended to quickly reject or ignore the original point.

FAQs

How can I use "a frivolous response" in a sentence?

You can use "a frivolous response" to describe an answer that lacks seriousness or depth. For example: "His comment was dismissed as "a frivolous response" to the serious issue at hand."

What's a good alternative to "a frivolous response"?

Depending on the context, you could use "a superficial answer", "a flippant reply", or "an insincere answer" as alternatives to "a frivolous response".

Is it appropriate to use "a frivolous response" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a frivolous response" might be too informal or judgmental for some formal contexts. Consider using more neutral terms like "an inadequate response" or "an insufficient explanation" in professional or academic writing.

What makes a response "frivolous"?

A response is considered "frivolous" when it's seen as lacking seriousness, depth, or relevance to the matter at hand. It often implies that the response is trivial or inappropriately lighthearted.