a trivial proposal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trivial proposal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a suggestion or idea that is considered insignificant or lacking in importance. Example: "While the committee appreciated the input, they ultimately dismissed it as a trivial proposal that did not address the core issues at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Democrats ridiculed Mr. Bush's proposal as a trivial step in addressing a big problem.

The New York Times

But Democrats in Congress ridiculed the president's proposal as a trivial step to solve a huge problem.

The New York Times

He then vetoed their proposal behind closed doors and accused them of "grandstanding" over a "trivial" bill.

Huffington Post

A trivial pursuit?

The New York Times - Tech

A trivial matter?

The New York Times - Arts

This was neither a trivial risk nor a trivial investment.

Harvard Business Review

That seemed a trivial concern.

The New York Times - Arts

This is a trivial matter.

The New York Times

This is not a trivial difference.

University of California, Berkeley

So it's not a trivial activity.

Cornell University

Climbing a mountain is a trivial thing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a trivial proposal" when you want to express that a suggestion or idea is insignificant and not worth serious consideration. Be mindful of the context to avoid sounding overly dismissive or condescending.

Common error

Avoid using "a trivial proposal" in formal reports or presentations where a more diplomatic tone is expected. Instead, opt for phrases like "a minor suggestion" or "an unsubstantial recommendation" to convey your assessment without being perceived as disrespectful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trivial proposal" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "trivial" modifies the noun "proposal". It serves to describe the nature or quality of the proposal, indicating its lack of significance or importance, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trivial proposal" is a noun phrase used to describe a suggestion or idea that lacks significance. While grammatically correct, its usage should be carefully considered to avoid sounding dismissive, especially in formal settings. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. Alternative phrases such as "a minor suggestion" or "an insignificant suggestion" can be used to soften the tone. The absence of real-world examples indicates it's a rarely used phrase. Finally the communicative purpose of the phrase serves to communicate a negative or dismissing tone to a suggestion that is deemed not important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an insignificant suggestion

Replaces "trivial" with "insignificant", emphasizing the lack of importance.

an unimportant plan

Directly states the lack of importance, replacing trivial with "unimportant".

a negligible suggestion

Replaces "trivial" with "negligible", indicating that the suggestion can be safely ignored.

a minor suggestion

Uses "minor" instead of "trivial", softening the negative connotation.

a worthless idea

Uses "worthless" to highlight that the suggestion is not just insignificant but without value.

a petty idea

Substitutes "trivial" with "petty", highlighting the insignificance and small-mindedness of the idea.

an inconsequential plan

Replaces both "trivial" and "proposal" with "inconsequential" and "plan" respectively, focusing on the unimportance of the plan.

an unsubstantial recommendation

Replaces "trivial" with "unsubstantial" and "proposal" with "recommendation", pointing to a lack of solid basis or support.

a flimsy concept

Highlights the weakness and lack of solid foundation in the idea, using the word "flimsy" instead of trivial.

a lightweight concept

Replaces "trivial" with "lightweight", implying the concept lacks depth or significance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a trivial proposal" to sound more polite?

To sound more polite, consider using alternatives like "a minor suggestion", "a small matter", or "a less significant idea".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a trivial proposal"?

The phrase "a trivial proposal" is appropriate when you want to quickly dismiss an idea that lacks importance. Be cautious when using it in professional environments as it may sound dismissive. Save its usage for informal conversations or internal discussions.

What's the difference between "a trivial proposal" and "a simple proposal"?

"A trivial proposal" suggests the idea is insignificant or unimportant, while "a simple proposal" implies the idea is straightforward and easy to understand, regardless of its importance.

Are there contexts where "a trivial proposal" might be offensive?

Yes, using "a trivial proposal" can be offensive if directed at someone who put genuine effort into their suggestion. It's important to consider the feelings of others and the potential impact of your words, especially in professional settings.