a trivial difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trivial difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difference that is insignificant or minor in the context of a discussion or comparison. Example: "While both solutions are effective, the choice between them comes down to a trivial difference in cost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

But it's a trivial difference".

The New Yorker

It was not a trivial difference.

The New Yorker

This is not a trivial difference.

The New York Times

That doesn't look like a trivial difference to me.

The New York Times

When does a "mismatch," a trivial difference, become a "gulf," a chasm that cannot be bridged?

The New York Times - Books

One extra successful hit in 1,000 attempts is a trivial difference.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

She says, "Stop.O He says, "Why?O She says, "I don't want to hear it.O He says, "If I can't talk to you, who can I talk to?O She says, "Dad, I'm like a little flower and you're watering me--by pissing on me.O 8/5/92: If Becky looked different--even a trivial difference--they might never have met.

The New Yorker

For example, my partner and I like very different music, but to us it's a very trivial difference, because music is not an extremely important part of our lives.

WikiHow

With such large samples, one can find a clinically trivial difference that is still statistically significant.

Vaccine

For example, the estimated median difference in the total mark is 0.1; this is a trivial median difference given the scale on which the total score is measured.

BMC Medical Education

However, this advantage was not sustained at the Week 26 time point, where we observed a trivial mean difference between groups of <1 ml O2 kg−1 min−1.

British Journal of Anaesthesia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing options, use "a trivial difference" to downplay the significance of a distinction. This can help guide your audience toward a specific choice by minimizing perceived drawbacks.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of "a trivial difference". Ensure your description accurately reflects the minor nature of the distinction to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trivial difference" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "trivial" modifies the noun "difference". It is used to qualify the magnitude or importance of the difference being discussed, indicating that it is small and insignificant. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

44%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a trivial difference" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe distinctions of minimal importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable in written English, serving to downplay distinctions and steer focus away from inconsequential details. Its frequency is categorized as common, appearing predominantly in news and media, followed by scientific contexts. Related alternatives include "a minor distinction" or "an insignificant variation". When employing this phrase, ensure that you accurately represent the degree of difference to maintain credibility, and leverage it strategically to guide your audience's perception.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor distinction

Focuses on the subtlety of the difference.

an insignificant variation

Emphasizes the lack of importance in the variation.

a negligible disparity

Highlights the smallness of the difference.

a slight discrepancy

Suggests a small and often unexpected difference.

a subtle nuance

Implies a difference that is hard to detect or appreciate.

a marginal divergence

Points out a slight deviation from a norm or standard.

a minimal alteration

Highlights the small scale of the change.

a superficial contrast

Suggests that the difference is only on the surface and not fundamental.

a trifling dissimilarity

Underscores the unimportance of the lack of similarity.

an inconsequential modification

Stresses that the change has no real effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "a trivial difference" to describe distinctions that are unimportant or insignificant. For example, "The color variations between the two models represent "a trivial difference"."

What phrases are similar to "a trivial difference"?

Alternatives include "a minor distinction", "an insignificant variation", or "a negligible disparity".

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

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that a difference exists, but that it's so small it shouldn't be a deciding factor or cause for concern.

Is there a difference between "a trivial difference" and "a minor difference"?

While similar, "a trivial difference" suggests even less importance than "a minor difference". "Trivial" implies the difference is practically inconsequential.