a trifling difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trifling difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor or insignificant difference between two things. Example: "While both designs are appealing, there is a trifling difference in color that most people wouldn't even notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

There would, of course, be a trifling difference: the price of oil would be 400% higher and the oil-producing countries would be a lot better off.

The Economist

"But even a trifling difference multiplied a million times is big," he says.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A few trifling differences can be found in novelty mini-bosses and so on, but by and large every enemy acts the same.

TechCrunch

A trifling few differences about substance erupted into a furious disagreement about who would control the schedule on the floor.

The New York Times

The Slovenes are using their veto power as a bargaining tool in a trifling border dispute.

The Economist

This is not a trifling achievement.

The New Yorker

That isn't a trifling number.

The New Yorker

Debts currently stand at a trifling £660m.

The Guardian - Sport

[from prattle.] A trifling talker; a chatterer.

Yale University

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

When using "a trifling difference", ensure the context clearly indicates that the difference being described is indeed minor and of little consequence to the overall point. This prevents misinterpretations where the reader might perceive the difference as more significant than intended.

Common error

Avoid using "a trifling difference" when the difference you're describing actually has a notable impact or consequence. This can undermine your credibility and confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trifling difference" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig confirms this usage through example sentences, indicating its role in describing a distinction of little importance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trifling difference" is a phrase used to describe a minor or insignificant distinction. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as grammatically correct, though its usage is relatively rare. It most commonly appears in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the difference being described is genuinely unimportant, and consider using alternatives like "a slight distinction" or "a negligible variation" to fine-tune the nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trivial distinction

Interchanges "trifling" and "trivial" in order to emphasize that the variation is unimportant.

a slight distinction

Replaces "difference" with "distinction" and "trifling" with "slight", emphasizing the subtlety of the difference.

a negligible variation

Substitutes "difference" with "variation" and "trifling" with "negligible", highlighting the insignificance of the difference.

a minor discrepancy

Replaces "difference" with "discrepancy" and "trifling" with "minor", suggesting a small inconsistency.

a small divergence

Substitutes "difference" with "divergence" and "trifling" with "small", indicating a slight deviation.

a subtle nuance

Replaces the entire phrase with "a subtle nuance", focusing on a delicate and understated difference.

an inconsequential disparity

Replaces "difference" with "disparity" and "trifling" with "inconsequential", stressing the lack of importance of the difference.

a minimal contrast

Replaces "difference" with "contrast" and "trifling" with "minimal", highlighting the small separation.

a faint dissimilarity

Substitutes "difference" with "dissimilarity" and "trifling" with "faint", underlining the barely perceptible difference.

an insignificant modification

Replaces "difference" with "modification" and "trifling" with "insignificant", stressing that the adjustment is small.

FAQs

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

Use "a trifling difference" to describe a minor or insignificant distinction between two things. For example: "There's "a trifling difference" in the shades of blue, but it's hardly noticeable."

What are some alternatives to "a trifling difference"?

You can use alternatives like "a slight distinction", "a minor discrepancy", or "a negligible variation" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a trifling difference"?

It's appropriate when you want to downplay the importance of a difference. It suggests that while a difference exists, it's so small that it doesn't really matter.

What's the difference between "a trifling difference" and "a significant difference"?

"A trifling difference" implies the difference is minor and unimportant, whereas "a significant difference" indicates the difference is substantial and meaningful.