petty grievances

USAGE SUMMARY

"petty grievances" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to small or minor complaints or annoyances. Example: She was tired of her coworkers constantly bringing up petty grievances about her work, instead of addressing any major concerns they may have had.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

It addresses an in-group assumed to "get" the petty grievances of prosperity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sunny's incessant introspection makes even severe traumas seem like petty grievances.

The New York Times - Books

He had reluctantly decided to intercede; Usually, a shaleesh settles property disputes and petty grievances.

The New York Times

Hearts and stomachs full, they smile and confess and forgive, their petty grievances melted.

The New York Times

Tells about the petty grievances which led to a riot in 1964 between the Panamanians and the Americans.

The New Yorker

They talked not of petty grievances but, with passionate and pained words, of good police practices trampled.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

For a hashtag, all you need is a petty grievance.

The Guardian - Opinion

He becomes the ultimate creature of secrets, the man whose petty grievance doesn't match his outsize fury.

The New York Times

Few of America's citizens have believed more fervently or optimistically in its promise than Madison, and yet he fell prey to the same divisiveness and petty grievance that have dogged the country and its stewards since the founding.

The New Yorker

This is not an isolated case study, nor is this a petty grievance.

Huffington Post

At a time when almost anything can (and will) be described as the worst, and when the public expression of a thin-skinned, petty grievance is just a few keystrokes away, travel stands out, notably, in its ability to sink below the fray into a hellacious category of its own.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "petty grievances", ensure the context clearly establishes that the complaints or annoyances are indeed minor and not masking deeper, more significant issues.

Common error

Avoid using "petty grievances" to describe complaints that are genuinely serious or impactful. This can undermine the validity of legitimate concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "petty grievances" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to minor or insignificant complaints or annoyances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "petty grievances" effectively conveys the idea of minor complaints or annoyances, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase maintains a neutral tone while suggesting that the issues at hand are insignificant. For alternative phrasing, consider "minor complaints" or "trivial complaints", but always ensure the context justifies diminishing the seriousness of the original statement. Avoid using the phrase when complaints are serious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor complaints

Focuses on the insignificance of the complaints.

trivial complaints

Highlights the lack of importance in the complaints.

small annoyances

Emphasizes the irritating nature of the issues.

insignificant issues

Points out that the issues are not worth serious consideration.

trifling matters

Indicates that the matters are of little consequence.

frivolous complaints

Suggests the complaints are not serious or necessary.

slight irritations

Downplays the severity of the irritations.

minor quibbles

Implies the issues are small and easily resolved.

petty squabbles

Focuses on the argumentative nature of the small issues.

trivial objections

Highlights the lack of substance in the objections.

FAQs

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

You can use "petty grievances" to describe minor complaints or annoyances. For example, "The meeting was derailed by employees airing their petty grievances."

What are some synonyms for "petty grievances"?

Alternatives include "minor complaints", "trivial complaints", or "small annoyances".

Is it appropriate to use "petty grievances" in a formal setting?

While grammatically correct, "petty grievances" might sound dismissive in formal contexts. Consider using more neutral language like "minor issues" or "small concerns".

What is the difference between "petty grievances" and legitimate concerns?

"Petty grievances" refer to small, often insignificant complaints, while legitimate concerns are serious issues that warrant attention and action.