a trivial question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trivial question" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it to describe a question that is unimportant or of little significance. For example: - "I don't want to waste your time with a trivial question, but do you prefer your coffee black or with cream?" - "The reporter asked the CEO a series of trivial questions, but failed to ask about the company's financial struggles." - "Some may see it as a trivial question, but I believe the answer reveals a lot about a person's values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

This isn't a trivial question.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Ask a trivial question, get a profound, heartbreaking answer".

The New Yorker

It's not a trivial question in a discussion of virtue.

The New York Times - Books

As Ms. Steiber can testify, this is not a trivial question.

The New York Times

QUESTION FROM MARK MILBURN: Sorry for such a trivial question on such a heavy piece.

The New Yorker

This seems like a trivial question, but the number of flips depends on the number of pancakes and the order in which they arrive.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

In the end, it is the attempt to solve small clinical mysteries that matter to me most, to answer a seemingly trivial question that a thinking medical student may ask you on rounds.

Science Magazine

OK, a purely trivial question to end on.

The Guardian - Music

The Moustache begins with a seemingly trivial question: "What would you say if I shaved off my moustache?" Marc asks this of his wife, Agnès, from the bathroom, where he's having a hot soak after work.

The Guardian - Film

You might at first think that's a rather trivial question, but consider how important your credit standing is: It impacts your credit card and loan terms, job prospects, ability to rent an apartment, chances of getting access to a vehicle, insurance premiums, and much more.

Huffington Post

But let us ask a less trivial question: why is that?

Biology Direct

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a trivial question" when you want to downplay the importance of an inquiry, especially in situations where deeper or more significant issues are at stake.

Common error

Avoid using "a trivial question" dismissively when someone raises a point that might seem small but could have larger implications. A seemingly minor inquiry can sometimes reveal underlying problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trivial question" functions as a noun phrase, where 'trivial' modifies 'question'. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to describe a question that is unimportant or of little consequence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trivial question" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a question of little importance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and illustrates its usage in contexts ranging from news and media to scientific discussions. When using this phrase, be mindful not to dismiss valid concerns under the guise of triviality. Alternatives like "a minor question" or "an insignificant question" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Ultimately, the phrase serves to downplay an inquiry's significance, prompting a focus shift towards more substantial matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor question

Emphasizes the lack of significance or importance of the question.

an insignificant question

Highlights the negligible impact or relevance of the question.

a petty question

Suggests the question is small-minded or concerned with unimportant details.

a superficial question

Implies the question lacks depth or substance.

a shallow question

Similar to superficial, indicating a lack of intellectual or emotional depth.

a lightweight question

Suggests the question is not serious or demanding of much thought.

an unimportant question

Directly states the question's lack of importance.

a needless question

Highlights that the question is unnecessary or redundant.

a pointless question

Indicates the question has no purpose or value.

a frivolous question

Emphasizes the lack of seriousness or purpose behind the question.

FAQs

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

You can use "a trivial question" to refer to something of little importance, for example: "While the budget negotiations stalled, the committee debated "a trivial question" about office supplies."

What are some alternatives to "a trivial question"?

Alternatives to "a trivial question" include "a minor question", "an insignificant question", or "a petty question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to ask "a trivial question" or "an unimportant question"?

Both "a trivial question" and "an unimportant question" are correct, but "a trivial question" often implies that the matter is so minor it's almost not worth discussing, while "an unimportant question" simply suggests it lacks significance.

How do you identify if a question is genuinely "a trivial question"?

A question is likely "a trivial question" if its answer has little to no impact on the overall outcome, understanding, or decision-making process in a given situation.