a petty issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a petty issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a matter that is trivial or insignificant, often in a dismissive context. Example: "The argument over the color of the napkins was just a petty issue that distracted us from the main event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

If the marginal Democrats are not re-elected, the Assembly could lose its Democratic majority -- not a petty issue for the speaker, Sheldon Silver, who decides voting priorities.

The New York Times

As an increasingly sorry caseload within France's court system testifies, it is a petty issue blown out of all proportion, one that ultimately creates nothing but hatred and violence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Offbeat tales such as "Two Disagreeable Pigeons" lighten the truly affecting desolate vision that colours Highsmith's work, most powerfully expressed in "The Trouble with Mrs Blynn, The Trouble with the World", in which a dying woman's focus on a petty issue, her epiphany arriving too late, provides a perfectly proportioned allegory.

The Guardian - Books

Initially, newspapers and TV channels reported that Sawan and Imran fought over a petty issue after a few drinks.

Vice

If your expertise is clear and highly respected, an annoying manager will usually back off, knowing that pursuing a petty issue with you can make them appear stupid if they cannot keep up with your points.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

What starts out as a petty argument over a trivial issue can turn into someone bearing a strong personal grudge against you.

WikiHow

They say the squabbling over petty issues has blocked a badly needed debate over Taiwan's economic future.

The New York Times

"We have to put an end to such small and petty issues," said the leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, referring to the public anger that boiled over after one of Mr. Ahmadinejad's senior officials said that Iran had no hostility toward the Israeli people.

The New York Times

"From such seemingly petty issues, drop by drop, separatism ripens, which sometimes becomes a stronghold for an even more dangerous evil, international terrorism".

The New York Times

The political strategist David Garth, who was one of Mr. Carey's closest associates, once said of him: "Hugh Carey on the petty issues can be very petty.

The New York Times

"The number of crimes will expand to include all sorts of petty issues, political repression, and restrictions on speech.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a petty issue" to downplay the significance of a problem or argument, suggesting it's not worth serious attention or concern. Be mindful of your audience and tone to avoid sounding dismissive.

Common error

While "a petty issue" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or professional contexts, where a more neutral term like "minor concern" or "small matter" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a petty issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showcasing its capacity to describe a trivial or insignificant matter that does not warrant substantial attention. For example: "Initially, newspapers and TV channels reported that Sawan and Imran fought over a petty issue after a few drinks."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a petty issue" is a phrase used to describe a trivial or insignificant matter. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable, though its frequency is rare. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it appears most commonly in News & Media and Wiki contexts. When using the phrase, be aware of its potential to sound dismissive, and consider more formal alternatives like "minor concern" in professional settings. The phrase's function is to downplay importance, with a generally neutral register, making it suitable for diverse contexts but requiring careful consideration of tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a petty concern

Highlights the annoying nature of something that is ultimately unimportant.

a minor problem

Focuses on the reduced scale and impact of the situation.

a trivial matter

Emphasizes the lack of importance or seriousness.

an insignificant detail

Highlights the unimportance and negligible nature of the issue.

a trifling concern

Suggests the issue is frivolous and unworthy of serious attention.

a small matter

Highlights the limited size and scope of the problem.

a negligible point

Focuses on the insignificance and disregardable attribute of something.

a frivolous quibble

Emphasizes the silly and inconsequential nature of an argument or complaint.

a superficial difficulty

Emphasizes that the difficulty is not deep or complex.

a shallow dispute

Suggests that the disagreement lacks depth and substance.

FAQs

How can I use "a petty issue" in a sentence?

You can use "a petty issue" to describe a problem or disagreement that is not important. For example, "The argument over who used whose pen was "a petty issue" that wasted everyone's time."

What can I say instead of "a petty issue"?

You can use alternatives like "a minor problem", "a trivial matter", or "an insignificant detail" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a petty issue" or "a small issue"?

Both "a petty issue" and "a small issue" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "A petty issue" suggests the problem is trivial and perhaps indicative of small-mindedness, while "a small issue" simply implies the problem is not large or significant.

What's the difference between "a petty issue" and "a minor concern"?

"A petty issue" often implies that the matter is not only small but also somewhat irritating or indicative of someone's narrow focus. "A minor concern", on the other hand, is more neutral and simply suggests the issue is not of great importance.