petty detail

USAGE SUMMARY

"petty detail" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to minor or trivial aspects of a situation or topic. For example: "He focused on the petty details instead of the main issues." Alternative expressions include "minor detail" and "trivial detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But that is a petty detail.

The New York Times

She was either ignored or criticized in petty detail.

The New Yorker

"The point of these stories was always the same, his fury was always triggered by some petty detail, some utter triviality, and as such was actually comical.

The New Yorker

At the root is an increasingly destructive army chief, General V.K. Singh, trying to browbeat civilian bosses into prolonging his spell in charge.In dispute is a petty detail: the general's year of birth.

The Economist

It's like Funkadelic said: free your mind and your ass will follow – in this case probably on to a crowded pavement at 40mph, but let's not get bogged down in petty detail.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At the time, leaders of both parties were trying to gain an edge in a heated State Senate contest in Rockland and Orange Counties, and could not be deterred by a petty detail like the damaging impact on the city's long-term financial health.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Fat chance, though Mr. Lonergan allows Mark to sustain this illusion even after we have seen it deflate (in a wonderful, almost throwaway moment in which Mark and Angela start having the same kind of petty detail-driven conversation he routinely has with his wife).

The New York Times

"Are you always so prejudiced by petty details?" Mr. Asprey snapped.

The New York Times - Magazine

The reality I wanted to convey was not a list of petty details.

The Guardian - Books

Never mind the petty details, or the loose rules prevailing at the time.

The Guardian - Opinion

When it comes to good wine, you can't allow petty details to get in the way.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "petty detail" when you want to dismiss something as being too minor to warrant serious attention. It is best used when contrasting it with a more significant issue or point.

Common error

Avoid dwelling on a "petty detail" to the point where it overshadows the main subject. Acknowledge its insignificance and move on to more important matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "petty detail" functions as a noun phrase, where 'petty' modifies 'detail'. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability. It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, referring to an unimportant or trivial aspect.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

10%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "petty detail" is a commonly used phrase to describe minor or unimportant aspects, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and found frequently in news and media sources. While suitable for various contexts, it's essential to use it judiciously, avoiding overemphasis on trivial issues. Related phrases include "minor point" and "triviality". To ensure clarity, use "petty detail" to draw attention to more important themes by acknowledging the insignificant data, and move forward.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor point

Emphasizes the unimportance of a specific point or argument.

insignificant aspect

Highlights that something is not important or noteworthy.

small matter

Indicates that something is not a big deal or problem.

unimportant element

Focuses on how the element in question is negligible.

negligible factor

Highlights how the thing is almost zero impact to the topic.

triviality

Focuses on the insignificance of something; a single word rather than a phrase.

inconsequential item

Highlights that something has no real consequence.

trifling particular

Stresses the lack of value and specificity.

slight particularity

Emphasizes the small degree of difference or uniqueness in a specific feature.

piddling nicety

Emphasizes that something is both fussy and unimportant.

FAQs

How can I use "petty detail" in a sentence?

You can use "petty detail" to refer to minor or trivial aspects of a situation. For example: "He got caught up in the petty details of the contract, missing the broader implications."

What phrases are similar to "petty detail"?

Alternatives to "petty detail" include "minor point", "triviality", or "insignificant aspect", depending on the context.

Is "petty detail" formal or informal language?

"Petty detail" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a common and widely understood phrase.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "petty detail"?

Use "petty detail" when you want to dismiss something as being too minor to warrant serious attention. It is best used when contrasting it with a more significant issue or point.