a trivial request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trivial request" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a request that is considered insignificant or easy to fulfill. Example: "I thought it was just a trivial request, but it turned out to be more complicated than I expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The husband ignored a rather trivial request from his wife: he could very easily have wiped the blood off his face in the midst of shaving--no big deal!

Huffington Post

The number of extradition cases being dealt with in the UK courts has reached record levels, fuelled by a number of "trivial" requests from Europe that have exasperated the police and clogged up the system, the Guardian has learned.

The Guardian

This is a digital assault in which a computer server is swamped by trivial requests that make it impossible to serve legitimate ones.

The Guardian - Opinion

The trivial requests are also wearing thin with the British police.

The Economist

This is not a trivial point, since such requests make up the majority of those raised by constituents.

The New Yorker

A trivial matter?

The New York Times - Arts

A trivial pursuit?

The New York Times - Tech

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a trivial request" when you want to downplay the importance or difficulty of something being asked for. It suggests that fulfilling the request should not be a problem.

Common error

Avoid using "a trivial request" too frequently, as it can make you sound dismissive or condescending. Vary your language to maintain a respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trivial request" functions as a noun phrase, where "trivial" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "request". As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is used to describe the nature of the request, emphasizing its lack of importance or significance.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Encyclopedias

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a trivial request" is used to describe a request that is minor, unimportant, or easily fulfilled. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While seemingly straightforward, using the phrase requires consideration of context and tone, as it can sometimes come across as dismissive. Alternatives like "a minor request" or "a simple request" might be more suitable depending on the relationship between speakers. When writing, be mindful of overusing this phrase and ensure it aligns with your intended message and the audience's perception.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor request

Replaces "trivial" with "minor", indicating a small degree of importance or size.

an insignificant request

Substitutes "trivial" with "insignificant", emphasizing the lack of importance of the request.

a small request

Replaces "trivial" with "small", focusing on the size or extent of the request.

an unimportant request

Uses "unimportant" instead of "trivial", highlighting the lack of consequence associated with the request.

a simple request

Replaces "trivial" with "simple", focusing on the ease of fulfilling the request rather than its importance.

an easy request

Similar to "simple request", emphasizing the lack of difficulty in fulfilling the request.

a negligible request

Uses "negligible" instead of "trivial", indicating the request can be disregarded.

a trifling request

Substitutes "trivial" with "trifling", suggesting the request is frivolous or of little value.

an inconsequential request

Replaces "trivial" with "inconsequential", emphasizing that the request has no significant impact.

a petty request

Uses "petty" instead of "trivial", suggesting the request is small-minded or concerned with unimportant things.

FAQs

What does "a trivial request" mean?

The phrase "a trivial request" refers to a request that is considered minor, unimportant, or easily fulfilled. It suggests that the request is not significant and should not cause any difficulty.

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

You can use "a trivial request" to describe something someone asks for that is very easy to do. For example: "I thought it was "a trivial request", but it turned out to be more complicated than I expected."

What are some alternatives to saying "a trivial request"?

You can use alternatives like "a minor request", "a simple request", or "an insignificant request" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to describe a request as "trivial"?

Describing a request as "trivial" can sometimes sound dismissive. Consider the context and your relationship with the person making the request before using this phrase. Using alternatives such as "a small request" or "an easy request" might be more appropriate in some situations.