a trifling concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trifling concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an issue or matter that is considered insignificant or of little importance. Example: "While some may worry about the minor details, I believe it's merely a trifling concern in the grand scheme of things."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In 1994, the same year Hodge retired, the league launched its "mild traumatic brain injury" committee, which, unsurprisingly, published a great deal of research suggesting concussions and brain trauma were a trifling concern for NFL players.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Direct discrimination of the kind that prevents a whole class of people from being able to carry out their job is no trifling concern, but sexism within football can be even more serious.

The Guardian

Like John Boorman's Hope and Glory, which offered the definitive child's-eye view of life during wartime, Persepolis honours its protagonist's trifling concerns.

The Guardian - Film

These are trifling concerns to Warner Bros though, which no doubt sees the game's vast audience of loyal fans and a licensing operation that has already made many millions from books, toys and clothing.

The Guardian - Tech

Sure, you can argue with him, you can try to point out the flaws in his argument but you won't win because Simon Jenkins cares not for your trifling concerns.

Independent

Why, those are but trifling concerns in the eyes of the E.U.'s mission to make the world a quieter place.

Forbes

One gets such wholesale returns of conjecture out of such a trifling investment of fact".Anthony Powell Hamilton, CanadaNorth Korea's family affairSIR – I read your apt analysis of North Korea with great concern ("Korean roulette", April 6th).

The Economist

This is not a trifling achievement.

The New Yorker

That isn't a trifling number.

The New Yorker

This is by no means a trifling or frequent gift.

The New York Times - Books

A pancreatic cyst-even a pseudocyst-is not a trifling affliction.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a trifling concern" when you want to downplay the significance of something that might otherwise be seen as problematic. It's particularly effective in formal writing or when addressing anxieties.

Common error

Avoid using "a trifling concern" in everyday conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or even sarcastic, making your communication seem insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trifling concern" functions as a noun phrase, where "trifling" modifies the noun "concern". It's used to describe something that is considered to be of little importance or significance, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trifling concern" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something considered unimportant or insignificant. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's correct and usable in English. While its usage is relatively rare, it's appropriate for formal contexts, particularly in news and media. Remember to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use this phrase or opt for a simpler alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor worry

Focuses on the worry itself being small, rather than the concern.

a slight problem

Emphasizes the small scale of the problem.

an insignificant issue

Highlights the unimportance of the issue.

a negligible matter

Stresses that the matter is so small it can be ignored.

a petty annoyance

Conveys that the concern is trivial and irritating.

a trivial detail

Indicates the concern is about something unimportant.

a small matter

Uses simpler language to express the same idea.

a lightweight issue

Analogizes to weight, implying the issue lacks substance.

a non-issue

Suggests that the concern is not even a real problem.

a superficial worry

Focuses on the lack of depth or seriousness of the worry.

FAQs

How can I use "a trifling concern" in a sentence?

You can use "a trifling concern" to minimize the importance of something. For example, "While some may worry about the minor details, I believe it's merely "a trifling concern" in the grand scheme of things."

What are some alternatives to "a trifling concern"?

Alternatives include "a minor worry", "an insignificant issue", or "a negligible matter", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a trifling concern" appropriate for all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "a trifling concern" is better suited for formal or semi-formal writing. In more casual contexts, simpler phrases like "a small matter" might be more appropriate.

What does "trifling" mean in the context of "a trifling concern"?

In this context, "trifling" means unimportant, trivial, or of little consequence. It suggests that the concern is not worth serious attention or worry.