a trifling matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trifling matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is insignificant or of little importance. Example: "While the issue was raised during the meeting, it was ultimately deemed a trifling matter and not worth further discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Don't think that this is a trifling matter.

The Guardian

Likewise, a trifling matter like corporate sexism is just another minor obstacle.

Independent

Increased bloodshed seems to be a trifling matter to automobile manufacturers compared with sales and profits.

The New York Times

Who would have guessed that so much would hang on such a trifling matter?

The Guardian - Books

That may be, but pointing out that "they do it, too" does not make female aggression a trifling matter.

The New York Times - Books

This might seem a trifling matter, but until 1994, the direction of traffic on Clinton moved north.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Several accounts, as hotly debated as any trifling matter in Italy, trace the drink back to 1919, when a wealthy Florentine named Count Camillo Negroni suggested to Fosco Scarselli, the bartender at the Hotel Baglioni in Florence, that he add gin to his Americano, a mild combination of Campari, sweet vermouth and soda.

The New York Times - Style

I am not absolutely sure what she means by "this," but I imagine that she is referring to the trifling matter of an enraged United States being hauled into a global conflict.

The New Yorker

Oh, and after that we have the trifling matter of a little match between Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal.

The Guardian - Sport

But Iran came even closer to breaking the deadlock, if the trifling matter of an offside flag can be overlooked.

The Guardian - Sport

These two sons of Alnwick reached professional maturity in the 1830s and 1960s respectively, but they haven't let the trifling matter of an intervening century or so, prevent this publishing collaboration.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a trifling matter" when you want to downplay the significance of something, especially when contrasting it with something more important. For example: "While the budget was discussed, the details of office supplies were considered a trifling matter."

Common error

Avoid using "a trifling matter" too frequently in formal or business writing, as it can come across as dismissive or condescending. In such contexts, consider using more neutral alternatives like "a minor issue" or "a small concern".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trifling matter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It describes something considered unimportant or insignificant, effectively minimizing its perceived value.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trifling matter" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, particularly in News & Media, to describe something of little importance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is well-regarded. When writing, it's best practice to use this phrase to downplay significance, but be mindful of the context, as it may sound dismissive in formal settings. Alternative phrases include "a minor detail" or "an insignificant issue".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an insignificant issue

Emphasizes the lack of importance or impact of the matter.

a minor detail

Highlights that the matter is a small part of something larger.

a triviality

Stresses the lack of seriousness or value of the matter.

a petty concern

Suggests the matter is small-minded or of little consequence.

a negligible point

Indicates the matter is so small it can be ignored.

a small thing

A more informal way of saying something is not important.

an inconsequentiality

Highlights the lack of importance or relevance of the matter.

a grain of sand

Comparing something to a grain of sand to suggest it's almost nothing

a drop in the bucket

Comparing something to a drop in the bucket, suggesting smallness in relative terms

neither here nor there

Suggesting it makes no real difference

FAQs

What does "a trifling matter" mean?

The phrase "a trifling matter" refers to something that is considered unimportant, insignificant, or of little consequence.

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

You can use "a trifling matter" to downplay the importance of something. For example: "Compared to the global pandemic, the local election seemed like "a trivial matter"."

What can I say instead of "a trifling matter"?

Alternatives to "a trifling matter" include "a minor issue", "a small detail", "an insignificant problem", or "a petty concern" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a trifling matter" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a trifling matter" can sound dismissive in formal contexts. Consider using more neutral phrases such as "a minor detail" or "an inconsequential item" in business or academic writing.