petty details

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "petty details" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to minor or trivial aspects of a situation or topic that may not be significant. Example: "While discussing the project, we shouldn't get bogged down in petty details that don't affect the overall outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Food

"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

Others quibble about performances that are decades old, or about petty details in singing technique.

The New York Times - Arts

If you ask these rulers questions about individual towns, "they are utterly unable to answer them," since such petty details are of little overall consequence.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, avoid getting bogged down in the "petty details" if they don't significantly impact the overall message or objective. Focus on the core elements that drive your narrative or argument forward.

Common error

Resist the urge to amplify "petty details" to the point where they overshadow the main subject. Ensure that these details serve to enhance understanding, not to distract from the primary focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "petty details" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to minor or insignificant aspects of a situation. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable in writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "petty details" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe minor or insignificant aspects of a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media. While it can be used objectively, it often carries a tone of dismissal or frustration. When writing, it's important to avoid getting bogged down in these details unless they contribute significantly to the overall message. Alternatives include "trivial matters" and "minor specifics", offering writers flexibility in conveying the same meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trivial matters

Focuses on the insignificance of the issues.

minor specifics

Emphasizes the small scale and precision of the information.

insignificant particulars

Highlights the lack of importance and the specific nature of the items.

trifling elements

Stresses the lack of value or consequence of the components.

unimportant aspects

Directly states that the facets are not crucial.

inconsequential items

Indicates the issues have no significant effect.

negligible points

Suggests the items can be safely ignored.

small points

Highlights that the issues are simply reduced to a small entity.

minor points

Highlights that the issues are simply of reduced value.

non-essential facts

Indicates that the information is not necessary.

FAQs

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

You can use "petty details" to describe minor or insignificant aspects of a situation, for example: "The negotiation stalled over "petty details" that could easily have been resolved".

What are some alternatives to "petty details"?

Some alternatives to "petty details" include "trivial matters", "minor specifics", or "insignificant particulars".

Is it better to focus on the big picture or the "petty details"?

The best approach depends on the context. Generally, it's wise to prioritize the big picture, but sometimes, attention to "petty details" can reveal crucial insights or prevent potential problems. However, you should avoid getting bogged down in the unimportant matters.

What does it mean when someone says not to sweat the "petty details"?

It means not to worry about the small, unimportant things. The focus should be on the larger, more significant aspects of the situation. Don't let the "trivial matters" distract you from the overall goal.