a trifle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trifle" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used as an adverb or a noun to describe something that is small or insignificant. Example 1: She was feeling a trifle nervous before her big presentation. Example 2: The cost of the repairs was a trifle compared to the overall value of the house. Example 3: He was a trifle disappointed when his team lost the game, but he knew they would bounce back.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A trifle overwrought?

The New Yorker

(He looks a trifle smug).

The New Yorker

Call it a trifle.

The New York Times

Becomes a trifle voyeuristic.

The Guardian - Opinion

This admission is a trifle overdramatic.

The New Yorker

My mind is just a trifle muddy.

The New Yorker

These things sometimes turn on a trifle.

The New York Times - Sports

Charlotte enters, a trifle put out.

The New Yorker

But it is all a trifle arbitrary.

The New York Times - Books

The very name was "a trifle".

The New York Times - Arts

Gremmar looks at him a trifle suspiciously.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a trifle" to add a touch of sophistication or understatement to your writing, particularly when describing something that is only slightly affected or influenced. It's often more effective than more common alternatives in formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a trifle" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound pretentious or overly formal. Simpler alternatives like "a bit" or "a little" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trifle" primarily functions as an adverb, modifying adjectives or verbs to indicate a slight degree or extent. It can also function as a noun, referring to something of little importance. Ludwig's examples showcase both uses, such as "a trifle overwrought" and "These things sometimes turn on "a trifle"".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a trifle" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Functioning primarily as an adverb or noun, it serves to understate or downplay significance, adding a touch of sophistication to writing. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts. Alternatives like ""a bit"" or ""slightly"" are more appropriate for informal settings. Its prevalence in reputable news sources underscores its acceptability in polished and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit

This alternative is a more common and slightly less formal way to express a small amount.

a little

This alternative is a simpler and more widely used expression for a small quantity or degree.

just a bit

This alternative emphasizes the smallness of the amount or degree.

a tad

This alternative is a more informal synonym, suitable for casual contexts.

slightly

This alternative is an adverb that emphasizes a minimal degree of difference or change.

somewhat

This alternative indicates a moderate degree or extent, suggesting slightly more than "a trifle".

marginally

This alternative emphasizes the smallness of difference to the point of being almost negligible.

barely

This alternative suggests the amount is minimal and almost nonexistent.

to some extent

This alternative expresses a partial or limited degree of something.

in a small way

This alternative highlights the limited impact or scale of an action or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "a trifle" in a sentence?

You can use "a trifle" to indicate a small degree or amount. For instance, "She was "a trifle nervous" before the presentation" or "The soup needs "a trifle more salt"".

What are some alternatives to "a trifle"?

Alternatives include "a bit", "slightly", "somewhat", or "a little". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "a trifle" formal or informal?

"A trifle" leans towards the formal side. While not strictly inappropriate in informal settings, simpler alternatives are often preferred for casual conversation.

When is it best to use "a trifle" in writing?

Use "a trifle" when you want to add a touch of elegance or understatement, particularly in formal writing or when describing nuanced differences. In many cases in modern parlance is seen as a verbal tic.