a trivial observation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trivial observation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a comment or remark that is considered insignificant or obvious. Example: "While discussing the topic, she made a trivial observation that everyone already knew."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Nor is that a trivial observation.

The New Yorker

For relatively lengthy operations such as SC (sacrocolpopexy), this may not be a trivial observation.

Gynecological Surgery

This is not a trivial observation!

Plosone

The agency has core values that are rooted in improvement of public health and it is a trivial observation that data that are hidden cannot be used by those from whom they are hidden to have any positive effect on health.

Biometrical Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He is adept at pointing out the connections and contradictions between an artist's professed beliefs and his or her actions in real life, and he's also nimble at taking a seemingly trivial observation ("Chanel made a profitable habit out of keeping a tame poet on hand to coin aphorisms that could be put into circulation, attributed to her") and using it to illuminate a larger truth.

The New York Times - Books

Perhaps a seemingly trivial observation, but just pause for a moment and consider the last time you saw an adult drinking a large glass of apple juice.

Vice

These offer no new insights into the σ-dependent pausing per se, while the trans-loading onto early elongation complexes formed by σ28-containing holoenzymes is a fairly trivial observation.

eLife

Before dismissing this as an utterly trivial observation, we note by way of contrast that not all triangles have the same shape, nor all rectangles, nor all people.

Advances in Difference Equations

This apparently trivial observation can provide a convenient and revealing proof explaining why a number is nonzero.

Wikipedia

Finally, the four hidden sudomotor states generate observed SC time series y with the following (trivial) observation function: y = x (1 ) + x (2 ) + x (3 ) + x (4 ) + ε where ɛ is a residual error term.

Biological Psychology

Trivial observation is the order of the day: hidden-camera larks reveal that we like caravanning and talking about the weather, but dislike benefits claimants and making consumer complaints.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a trivial observation" when you want to politely downplay the significance of something that might seem obvious to others, but is necessary to state for completeness or clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a trivial observation" excessively in formal academic papers or professional reports. Overuse can make your writing sound condescending or as if you are dismissing important nuances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trivial observation" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or an appositive. It describes a statement or remark that lacks significance or is self-evident. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a trivial observation" is a grammatically correct and usable expression used to refer to a statement or remark that is considered insignificant or self-evident. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. While its frequency is relatively rare, it finds use in both News & Media and Science contexts. When writing, it is advisable to consider related alternatives for greater precision or formality depending on the context. Though useful, avoid overusing it in formal writing to prevent sounding condescending.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an inconsequential remark

Emphasizes the lack of importance or impact of the observation.

a minor point

Highlights the small degree of significance of the observation.

an obvious statement

Focuses on the self-evident nature of the observation.

a negligible detail

Underlines that the observation is too small to be worth considering.

a self-evident truth

Highlights the quality of being clear or obvious without needing any proof.

a superficial comment

Indicates that the observation lacks depth or substance.

an insignificant detail

Highlights the lack of importance in the observation.

a commonplace remark

Emphasizes the ordinariness and lack of originality of the observation.

a shallow insight

Underscores the lack of depth or profoundness of the observation.

a banal comment

Highlights the unoriginality and predictability of the observation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a trivial observation" to introduce a point that may seem obvious but is important to mention. For example, "A trivial observation is that consistent practice leads to improvement, but it's worth reiterating."

What's a more formal alternative to "a trivial observation"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "a minor point", "an inconsequential remark", or "a negligible detail".

Is it appropriate to use "a trivial observation" in academic writing?

While acceptable, use "a trivial observation" sparingly in academic writing. It's generally better to use more precise and nuanced language to describe the significance (or lack thereof) of a particular point.

What is the difference between "a trivial observation" and "an obvious statement"?

"A trivial observation" implies something is almost too simple to mention, while "an obvious statement" simply means something is easily understood. The former carries a slightly stronger connotation of unimportance.