are trivial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are trivial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is insignificant or of little importance. Example: "The issues we discussed in the meeting are trivial compared to the larger challenges we face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Other changes are trivial.

The New York Times

Some are trivial, some fundamental.

The New York Times

Most of them are trivial.

The Guardian - Opinion

America's transgressions are trivial by comparison.

The Economist

And the penalties for overspending are trivial.

The Economist

Some of Cheney's are trivial, too.

The New Yorker

"Some spills are trivial," Mr. Hang said.

The New York Times

Some signs are trivial but telling.

The New York Times

They are "trivial" and "modest" notions, respectively.

The New York Times - Books

"Other sports are trivial," father told son.

The New York Times - Sports

He said: "The Government's demands are trivial.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are trivial", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being considered insignificant. This helps avoid misinterpretations and ensures your message is accurately conveyed.

Common error

Avoid using "are trivial" when the issues at hand, while seemingly minor, have potential long-term consequences. Accurately assess the importance of the matter to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are trivial" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject as being of little significance or value. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound and commonly employed in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are trivial" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote insignificance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It functions as a predicate adjective, serving to downplay the importance of specific details. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "are insignificant" and "are unimportant" offer similar meanings, "are trivial" remains a widely recognized and effective way to express a lack of importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are insignificant

Emphasizes the lack of importance or consequence.

are unimportant

Directly states the lack of importance.

are negligible

Highlights that the impact is so small it can be disregarded.

are inconsequential

Focuses on the lack of significant effect.

are minor

Indicates that the issue is small in scale or seriousness.

are petty

Suggests the issue is small and often annoying or irritating.

are trifling

Emphasizes the worthlessness or insignificance of the matter.

are of no account

Indicates that something is not worth considering or paying attention to.

are of little consequence

Highlights that the results or outcomes are not significant.

don't matter

A more direct and informal way of saying something is not important.

FAQs

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

You can use "are trivial" to describe things that are insignificant or of little importance. For example: "The concerns raised "are trivial" compared to the overall success of the project".

What are some alternatives to "are trivial"?

You can use alternatives such as "are insignificant", "are unimportant", or "are negligible" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "are trivial"?

It's appropriate to use "are trivial" when you want to emphasize that certain aspects or details lack importance or significance in a larger context.

What's the difference between "are trivial" and "are minor"?

"Are trivial" suggests a complete lack of importance, while "are minor" indicates that something is small in scale or impact but may still require attention.