petty arguments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "petty arguments" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe trivial or insignificant disputes or disagreements. Example: "They often get into petty arguments over small issues." Alternative expressions include "trivial disputes" and "minor disagreements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Petty arguments between rappers are commonplace.

The Guardian - Music

"But I don't lose sleep over petty arguments".

The New York Times

The petty arguments of 20th century over which types of rights are more valid belong in the past.

The Economist

Of course, O'Hara's years at the magazine were also fraught with numerous petty arguments and various conflicts with colleagues.

The New Yorker

Whatever petty arguments we might have had as new parents over car seats, strollers and baby bottles shrank away.

The New York Times

But their collective politicking and petty arguments – throughout the last few months – have been inferior to the circumstances.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

A particularly tense moment was interrupted with a petty argument over the correct pronunciation of Ginsters.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In 1999 a petty argument got out of control, and the two stopped speaking with each other.

The New York Times

One morning, Marsh operates after having a petty argument with another surgeon, and the operation paralyzes half the patient's face.

The New Yorker

In the end, though, it was a petty argument that undid him: he threatened to pound another client, then stormed out of treatment.

The New York Times - Magazine

That was an extreme example, but other, milder ones come to mind: losing my temper in a petty argument; innumerable traffic confrontations; even the occasional slightly too prickly column or e-mail flame-out.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with verbs like "settling", "avoiding" or "getting bogged down in" to show how people interact with triviality.

Common error

Be careful not to use "petty arguments" to describe serious grievances. Doing so can sound dismissive or condescending if the issues being discussed actually have significant consequences for one of the parties involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "petty arguments" serves as a noun phrase, typically functioning as the direct object of a verb or the object of a preposition. According to Ludwig, it often follows transitive verbs such as "settle", "start" or "avoid". The adjective "petty" modifies the plural noun "arguments" to specify the nature of the conflict as trivial.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "petty arguments" is a widely accepted and versatile phrase used to describe insignificant disputes. Data from Ludwig indicates it is particularly common in journalism and lifestyle writing to highlight how trivial bickering can distract from more important matters. While it is grammatically sound and carries a clear meaning, writers should be mindful of its dismissive tone. It is most effective when contrasting small-scale human friction with broader life missions or professional objectives. Alternatives like "<a href="/s/trivial+disputes" target="_blank" rel="alternative">trivial disputes" may offer a more formal tone, but the query remains the most vivid way to capture the essence of pointless disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trivial disputes

Sounds more formal and is often used in legal or official contexts

minor disagreements

A more neutral and less judgmental way to describe a lack of consensus

small squabbles

More informal and often implies a noisy or childish nature to the argument

insignificant quarrels

Emphasizes the total lack of importance of the subject matter

pointless bickering

Focuses on the repetitive and useless nature of the verbal exchange

frivolous altercations

Suggests the argument is not only small but lacks any serious purpose

foolish spats

Adds a layer of criticism regarding the intelligence of those involved

meaningless friction

Describes the tension resulting from minor issues rather than the verbal act

trifling differences

A softer way to describe varying viewpoints on small matters

needless rows

Common in British English to describe unnecessary and loud arguments

FAQs

What is the meaning of "petty arguments"?

It refers to disagreements or fights about things that are trivial, unimportant or of very little consequence in the grand scheme of things.

How do I use "petty arguments" in a sentence?

You can say, "They often waste time on <a href="/s/petty+arguments" target="_blank" rel="alternative">petty arguments instead of focusing on their work".

What is a more formal way to say "petty arguments"?

In a professional or academic context, you might prefer to use "<a href="/s/trivial+disputes" target="_blank" rel="alternative">trivial disputes" or "<a href="/s/minor+disagreements" target="_blank" rel="alternative">minor disagreements".

Is it "petty argument" or "petty arguments"?

Both are correct. Use the singular "<a href="/s/petty+argument" target="_blank" rel="alternative">petty argument" for one specific instance and the plural for ongoing or multiple occurrences.