as trite as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as trite as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to compare something to a cliché or overused expression, indicating that it lacks originality. Example: "His excuse for being late was as trite as the classic 'traffic was terrible.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Caul isn't having anything quite as trite as a rebirth.

The Guardian - Film

Alas, it's not quite as trite as it seems.

The New York Times

To say we live in a global economy is a cliché as trite as they come.

Harvard University

But would their Catalog of the Abhorred be as trite as the author's?

The New York Times - Books

If I ever said anything as trite as that, it is certainly beneath The New Yorker to quote it.

The New Yorker

"So I've just had, as trite as this may seem, I've had this appreciation for every heartbeat, every moment".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

But although her character boasts, "I'm as trite and as gay / As a daisy in May, / A cliché coming true!" O'Hara is too classy and too knowing to fit the idiosyncratic comic contours of the role.

The New Yorker

But the musical theme that Duras, through ruthless repetition, turned into a symphony of painful, frustrated desire is employed in "Cet Amour-la" as a tinkly, sentimental undertone, as trite and toothless as "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head".

The New York Times

The 21st-century press beast is a scary multimedia monster, caught up in the trite as well as the vital, and reporters rarely can be as contemplative as the cerebral Obama would like.

The New York Times

Audrey Hepburn in "Roman Holiday" is as trite a fashion reference as there is, but it acquired a bizarre new life in the context of a show created by a designer-rapper who had to face a gun possession charge last year.

The New York Times

It is perhaps trite as well as crass to point to two key indicators in your 25 November issue of Britain's current crisis: the 66% pay rise for Her Majesty (Buckingham Palace to undergo refurbishment) and the revelation that 2 million self-employed workers earn less than £8 ($10) an hour (7m Britons shown to have little or no job security).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as trite as" to critique expressions, ideas, or arguments that lack originality or have become clichés. For example, "His excuse was "as trite as" saying the dog ate his homework."

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "as trite as", as overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your language to offer more nuanced critiques of unoriginality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as trite as" functions as a comparative conjunction phrase, typically used to express that something is unoriginal, overused, or lacking in freshness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as trite as" is a comparative conjunction phrase used to express that something lacks originality or is overly common. Ludwig AI confirms that is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not exceptionally frequent, it is commonly found in news, media, and academic contexts. It carries a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with your intended tone of criticism or dismissiveness. Alternatives such as "as clichéd as" or "as banal as" can offer nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as clichéd as

Replaces "trite" with "clichéd", emphasizing the overused nature of the comparison.

as banal as

Substitutes "trite" with "banal", highlighting the dull and uninteresting quality.

as hackneyed as

Replaces "trite" with "hackneyed", focusing on the worn-out and unoriginal aspect.

as unoriginal as

Directly states the lack of originality, making the comparison more explicit.

as commonplace as

Replaces "trite" with "commonplace", indicating the widespread and unexceptional nature.

as stale as

Uses "stale" instead of "trite", suggesting a lack of freshness and appeal.

as unimaginative as

Highlights the lack of creativity, providing a more specific critique.

as conventional as

Indicates adherence to established norms, suggesting a lack of innovation.

as predictable as

Emphasizes the lack of surprise, implying a lack of interest.

as run-of-the-mill as

Highlights the ordinariness and lack of distinction.

FAQs

How can I use "as trite as" in a sentence?

You can use "as trite as" to describe something that lacks originality or is overly common. For example, "The plot of the movie was "as trite as" a fairy tale ending".

What are some alternatives to saying "as trite as"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "as clichéd as", "as banal as", or "as hackneyed as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to describe something as "as trite as"?

Yes, describing something as ""as trite as"" generally carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of originality or freshness.

What's the difference between "as trite as" and "as commonplace as"?

"As trite as" implies a lack of originality and a sense of being overused, while "as commonplace as" simply indicates something is ordinary or frequently encountered. The former carries a stronger negative judgment.