a trivial amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trivial amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very small or insignificant quantity of something. Example: "The fee for the service is just a trivial amount compared to the benefits it provides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

That is not a trivial amount.

The New York Times

For all the trading in mortgage-backed securities, homeownership increased only a trivial amount.

The New York Times - Magazine

The boxes assure that the candy "adds a trivial amount of fat".

The New York Times - Food

Sequestration will cause maximum political disgust for a trivial amount of budget savings.

The New York Times

Even after the oil shocks in the 1970s, prices went up by what now seems like a trivial amount.

The New York Times - Magazine

This was way below the $10,000 legal ceiling and a trivial amount considering the goodies at stake.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

But the Ghanaian government currently invests only $7m [£5m] yearly in sanitation: a tiny, trivial amount.

The Guardian

People will be "sceptical" about what he said looked like a "sweetheart deal", he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Saturday, adding that HMRC seemed to have settled for a "relatively trivial amount of money".

The Guardian - Tech

The university canceled hundreds of classes and downgraded six varsity teams to club level, saving $800,000 or so in scholarship, travel and coaching expenses — a relatively trivial amount compared to the estimated stadium costs.

The New York Times

Note these still spawn very slowly, and this is still a very trivial amount of money.

WikiHow

Thus, an apparently trivial amount of BAT, if activated, could have a profound influence on energy balance, since 10 20% of daily EE (i.e., 250 500 kcal/day) can make the difference between maintaining body weight or gaining 10 20 kg within a few years.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a trivial amount", ensure the context clearly establishes what the amount is trivial relative to. For example, "a trivial amount of fat" is only meaningful if the total nutritional content is also understood.

Common error

Avoid using "a trivial amount" when the quantity, though small, has significant consequences. For instance, saying "a trivial amount of poison" ignores the danger even a small dose can pose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trivial amount" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the quantity or degree being discussed is insignificant or negligible. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a trivial amount" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing a small, insignificant quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the analysis indicates its common use in news, scientific, and business contexts. While seemingly straightforward, it's important to ensure that the described amount is truly inconsequential in its specific context to avoid misrepresentation. Alternatives like "a negligible quantity" or "an insignificant amount" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an insignificant amount

Highlights the lack of importance or impact of the amount.

an inconsequential sum

Highlights that the sum has little to no consequence or effect.

a negligible quantity

Indicates that the quantity is so small it can be disregarded.

next to nothing

Indicates that the amount is practically zero.

a minimal quantity

Suggests the smallest possible amount, bordering on insignificant.

a trifling quantity

Emphasizes the lack of worth or importance of the amount.

a paltry sum

Implies the amount is not only small but also contemptibly or insultingly so.

a peppercorn amount

Refers to a very small, often symbolic, amount of money or value.

a drop in the bucket

Suggests that the amount is so small it makes no noticeable difference to the whole.

a smidgen

Informal term for a very small amount of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a trivial amount" in a sentence?

You can use "a trivial amount" to describe something that is small and insignificant in quantity or value. For example, "The change in temperature was only "a trivial amount", so we didn't adjust the thermostat."

What can I say instead of "a trivial amount"?

You can use alternatives like "a negligible amount", "a minimal quantity", or "an insignificant amount" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to describe something as "a trivial amount"?

No, it's important to consider the context. If the small amount has a significant impact or consequence, then "a trivial amount" may not be an appropriate descriptor. Consider the sentence: "Even "a small dose" of cyanide is deadly."

What is the difference between "a trivial amount" and "a small amount"?

While both describe a quantity that isn't large, "a trivial amount" emphasizes that the quantity is so small it's practically inconsequential. "A small amount" simply indicates that the quantity is not large, without necessarily implying it's unimportant.