as trivial as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as trivial as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare something to a trivial matter, emphasizing its lack of importance or significance. Example: "He dismissed the issue, saying it was as trivial as a missing paperclip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Even something as trivial as a broken tail light can mean failure.

The Economist

It seems inconceivable in Britain that tempers should flare so hot over something as trivial as a misplaced capital letter.

The Economist

With the egotism and political naivety of many artists, he simply could not accept that something as trivial as a world war could interrupt his career.

The Guardian - Books

Now, during something as trivial as a cranky hockey series between hardened professionals from all over the world, these suburban rustics dare boo the Canadian anthem?

The New York Times - Sports

The police wouldn't have bowed to the pressure of a lone person who had misplaced something as trivial as a cell phone.

The New Yorker

Each morning they make a packed lunch with grim determination not to spend a penny on anything as trivial as a bought sandwich.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"It may be as trivial as all of a sudden you get invited to a neighbor's wedding or a better offer comes up," said Dan McGinnity, a vice president of AIG Travel Guard.

The New York Times - Travel

The limitations on the freedom of action of the member states may be as trivial as an acknowledgment of their duty to consult with each other before taking some independent action or as significant as the obligation to be bound by majority decisions of the member states.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The final trigger might have been something as trivial as an argument over a racehorse or a woman, he suggests.

BBC

He became infamous for a string of station orders on all facets of life, as trivial as an order to conserve razor blades by sharpening them on glass, and for considering requiring formal dress for dinner.

Wikipedia

The drug crimes that trigger life without parole can be as trivial as owning a crack pipe or a bottle cap with a trace of heroin on it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as trivial as a", ensure that the comparison is clear and the trivial example genuinely underscores the insignificance of the subject. This strengthens the rhetorical effect.

Common error

Avoid using "as trivial as a" when the compared item isn't truly trivial. Overstating the comparison can weaken your argument and make it seem disingenuous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as trivial as a" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to emphasize its lack of importance. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in downplaying the significance of various situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Tech

12%

Lifestyle

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as trivial as a" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something insignificant. Ludwig AI shows that it’s frequently used in news and media to downplay the importance of various issues, comparing them to universally recognized trivialities. While alternatives like "as insignificant as a" or "as unimportant as a" exist, "as trivial as a" specifically emphasizes the commonplace nature of the triviality. It's crucial to ensure the comparison is accurate and doesn't diminish genuine concerns. Ludwig's analysis indicates a neutral register and broad applicability, solidifying its place as a useful tool for expressing insignificance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as insignificant as a

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

as unimportant as a

Substitutes "trivial" with "unimportant", highlighting the lack of significance.

as minor as a

Uses "minor" instead of "trivial", focusing on the small scale or degree of importance.

as inconsequential as a

Replaces "trivial" with "inconsequential", suggesting a lack of impact or effect.

as negligible as a

Substitutes "trivial" with "negligible", emphasizing the smallness or insignificance to the point of being ignorable.

as petty as a

Uses "petty" instead of "trivial", implying the insignificance is almost disdainful.

as frivolous as a

Replaces "trivial" with "frivolous", indicating a lack of seriousness or purpose.

as commonplace as a

Substitutes "trivial" with "commonplace", emphasizing the lack of uniqueness.

as immaterial as a

Uses "immaterial" instead of "trivial", highlighting the lack of relevance.

as banal as a

Replaces "trivial" with "banal", suggesting something is unoriginal and boring.

FAQs

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

You can use "as trivial as a" to illustrate the insignificance of something by comparing it to something universally considered unimportant. For example, "The delay was "as trivial as a" misplaced comma."

What are some alternatives to "as trivial as a"?

Alternatives include "as insignificant as a", "as unimportant as a", or "as minor as a", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "as trivial as a" and "as insignificant as a"?

While similar, "as trivial as a" often implies something is so commonplace it's not worth attention, while "as insignificant as a" emphasizes a lack of importance in effect or consequence.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "as trivial as a"?

It's best to avoid using "as trivial as a" when discussing sensitive or serious topics, as it can come across as dismissive or disrespectful. In such cases, a more neutral tone is advisable.