a trivial point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trivial point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a matter or detail that is considered insignificant or unimportant in a discussion or argument. Example: "While I appreciate your input, I believe we should focus on the main issues rather than getting caught up in a trivial point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

It's not quite a trivial point.

The New Yorker

"This is not a trivial point.

The Guardian

It may seem a trivial point.

The New York Times - Sports

This is obviously not a trivial point of difference.

The New York Times

Maybe it's a trivial point, but I think it needs saying.

The Guardian - Music

This might seem like a trivial point, but it is a little clue to the vision of the whole novel.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Not a wholly trivial point.

The Guardian

Now this may seem a rather trivial point for him to make, but in fact it is philosophically illuminating.

SEP

This may seem an almost trivial point, but it is important to stress that validation is a unitary construct that tests the theory and the measure at the same time [ 17].

BMC Health Services Research

You can learn that some of Lincoln's intimates believed his melancholy was rooted in extreme constipation ("He had no natural evacuation of bowels," a friend explained) and also what formula was used to embalm him, a gruesome but far from trivial point.

The New Yorker

As they were writing only a few years after gypsies had been victims of an attempted genocide, this is no trivial point.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a trivial point" to gently redirect discussions from minor details to more important issues, ensuring a focus on the core arguments or objectives.

Common error

Avoid using "a trivial point" in a way that belittles or dismisses someone else's contribution. Instead, frame it as a minor consideration relative to the broader context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trivial point" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It serves to identify something as being of little consequence or importance, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

38%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trivial point" is a phrase used to describe something of little importance or significance in a given context. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions grammatically as a noun phrase and is commonly used in news, scientific and academic writing. It serves to downplay certain details and shift focus to more relevant aspects. While grammatically correct and frequently used, it's important to use this phrase judiciously to avoid sounding dismissive. Consider alternatives like "an unimportant detail" or "a minor issue" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unimportant detail

Focuses on the lack of significance of a specific detail.

an insignificant matter

Emphasizes the lack of importance of a particular issue.

a minor issue

Highlights the reduced scale or impact of a problem.

a negligible concern

Stresses the minimal level of worry or attention required.

a non-essential aspect

Points out that something is not crucial or necessary.

a trifling matter

Indicates something is so unimportant it's barely worth mentioning.

a petty concern

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

a superficial element

Implies a lack of depth or importance in the subject.

an inconsequential fact

Highlights the lack of impact or relevance of a detail.

a lightweight subject

Indicates the topic lacks substance or seriousness.

FAQs

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

You can use "a trivial point" to downplay the importance of something within a larger context. For example, "While that's technically correct, it's "a trivial point" compared to the main issue at hand."

What's the difference between "a trivial point" and "an important detail"?

"A trivial point" suggests something is insignificant, while "an important detail" indicates something crucial. Using one versus the other depends on whether you want to emphasize or de-emphasize the element in question.

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

You can use alternatives like "an unimportant detail", "an insignificant matter", or "a minor issue" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to call someone's argument "a trivial point"?

While accurate in some cases, calling an argument "a trivial point" can be dismissive. It's often better to acknowledge the point but then explain why it's less relevant than other factors.