frivolous conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

"frivolous conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to conversations that lack seriousness or substance. For example, "It's hard to focus on work when everyone around me is having frivolous conversations about the latest celebrity gossip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr Wood said: "It all started with a really frivolous conversation in the pub late at night and it got reported on Facebook".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In fact, in focussing so closely on the ostensibly frivolous conversations between (and within) her characters, Heti seems to be questioning the idea of superficiality altogether.

The New Yorker

As such, tangential discussions are encouraged, and panellists are apt to branch off into frivolous conversations, give voice to trains of thought, and share humorous anecdotes from their own lives.

Wikipedia

2. I abstained from alcohol, frivolous conversations with friends, from social media, from even talking to my beloved sweetheart so that I could HEAR from my soul and from God.

Huffington Post

We are able to check-in with friends from around the world daily, we can choose to engage in serious on-line debates and discussions (or watch secretly from the sidelines) and we all love the frivolous conversations and memes that give us a giggle.

Huffington Post

Glynn's manner and conversation were often frivolous and ironic, sometimes combative, but his passion for art, music and architecture shone through all his endeavours.

The Guardian

Their conversations are always frivolous, talking about the Benz they had, the clubs they went to, and the dime pieces they fucked.

Vice

Such conversations might sound frivolous, a sideshow to the real issues of Trump withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and Trudeau approving massive oilsands pipelines.

Vice

In conversation, she is no frivolous downtown princess, the girl you would most love to hate.

The New York Times

Conversations were usually light and frivolous, he said, until 2016 when customers became captivated by Donald Trump.

The Washington Post

I have conversations with friends, some serious debates, some frivolous chats about inconsequential issues.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "frivolous conversation" when you want to describe a discussion that lacks seriousness or importance, often about trivial matters. It can also imply a lack of productivity or focus.

Common error

Avoid using "frivolous conversation" when you simply mean a lighthearted or fun discussion. "Frivolous" implies a lack of seriousness that may be inappropriate in certain contexts. Instead, consider using terms like "lighthearted banter" or "casual chat".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frivolous conversation" functions as a noun phrase, where "frivolous" modifies the noun "conversation". It describes the type of conversation being had, indicating that it is not serious or important. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "frivolous conversation" is a phrase used to describe a discussion that lacks seriousness or importance. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and commonly used. While its tone is generally neutral, it carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting the conversation is unproductive or a waste of time. Related phrases include "trivial conversation" and "insignificant conversation". When using this phrase, be mindful of its implications and ensure it accurately reflects the nature of the discussion you're describing. It's more frequently found in news and general writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trivial conversation

Replaces "frivolous" with "trivial", emphasizing the lack of importance or significance of the conversation.

insignificant conversation

Substitutes "frivolous" with "insignificant", highlighting that the conversation has little to no consequence.

pointless conversation

Uses "pointless" instead of "frivolous", focusing on the lack of a clear aim or purpose in the conversation.

superficial conversation

Replaces "frivolous" with "superficial", indicating that the conversation lacks depth or substance.

empty conversation

Uses "empty" in place of "frivolous", suggesting that the conversation is devoid of meaning or value.

shallow conversation

Replaces "frivolous" with "shallow", suggesting a lack of intellectual or emotional depth in the conversation.

idle chatter

Replaces "conversation" with "chatter", which implies a light, informal, and often aimless discussion, with "frivolous" implied.

banal discussion

Uses "banal" instead of "frivolous", referring to a conversation that is predictable, trite, and unoriginal.

lighthearted exchange

Emphasizes the cheerful and carefree nature of the conversation, differing from "frivolous" which can sometimes imply negativity.

aimless dialogue

Replaces "conversation" with "dialogue", with "aimless" suggesting a lack of direction or purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "frivolous conversation" in a sentence?

You might say, "The meeting was derailed by a "frivolous conversation" about vacation plans" to indicate the discussion was unproductive and unimportant.

What are some alternatives to "frivolous conversation"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "trivial conversation", "insignificant conversation", or "pointless conversation" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "frivolous conversation" formal or informal?

"Frivolous conversation" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in news or general writing rather than highly formal academic papers.

What is the connotation of "frivolous conversation"?

"Frivolous conversation" carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the discussion is a waste of time or lacks substance. It implies a lack of seriousness or purpose.