petty problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "petty problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor or trivial issue that is not significant in the grand scheme of things. Example: "While the team faced several challenges, the scheduling conflict was just a petty problem compared to the larger project hurdles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The fourth relates how Domitian summoned his cringing Cabinet to consider an absurdly petty problem: how to cook a turbot too large for any ordinary pan.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ms. Neuwirth locates the song's rock-bottom truth: the universe doesn't care a whit about your petty problems.

The New York Times - Arts

One head said governors raised "so many petty problems" that she felt unable to run the school.

The Guardian

His characters may be firmly middle class, but they possess an aristocratic sense of detachment, of being above the world and its petty problems.

The New York Times

Neurosis and social disorder itself could ascend to the status of legend, the petty problems of the individual soul raised up into something archetypal.

The Guardian - Film

Seeing Al trudging up the hill in the cold, just 537 votes short of his prize, Sisyphus pushing his burden to Starbucks, instantly put my petty problems in perspective.

The New York Times

A man of his word, offending breath is one of the petty problems on the menu tonight with McIntyre incredulously remarking: "There's no such thing as afternoon breath?" before moving on to the equally perilous overnight sensation, that of dead arms and the obstacle they present in chasing off burglars.

Independent

How quickly would we go from worrying about our jobs, family, and petty problems before we had to start worrying about where our water comes from, how we're going to eat, and our colleagues succumbing to a virus and attacking us in the hallways.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Designing over-the-top fixes for petty problems also amuses Giertz.

Huffington Post

Through the little girl's innocent words, the video aims to prove that people face bigger challenges every day, and our petty problems should be put into perspective.

Huffington Post

Aside from the big decisions that presidents encounter, there's a tiresome litany of smaller choices and petty problems that fill the endless numbered days of your presidential term.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "petty problem" when you want to downplay the significance of an issue, especially to provide perspective or contrast with more important concerns. For example, comparing a scheduling conflict to larger project hurdles.

Common error

While "petty problem" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing or professional settings. Instead, opt for more neutral alternatives like "minor issue" or "small concern" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "petty problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "petty" is an adjective modifying the noun "problem". Ludwig shows examples in various contexts, highlighting its role in describing issues of little importance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "petty problem" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a minor or insignificant issue. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples across diverse contexts like news, encyclopedias, and scientific articles. While acceptable, its usage might be less appropriate in formal settings, where alternatives like "minor issue" or "small concern" are preferred. Ludwig's analysis also highlights its communicative purpose of downplaying the severity of an issue, offering perspective by contrasting it with more important matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trivial issue

Focuses on the insignificance of the matter.

minor inconvenience

Highlights the disruptive but ultimately unimportant nature of the problem.

insignificant difficulty

Emphasizes the lack of importance of the challenge.

slight complication

Downplays the seriousness of the problem, presenting it as a minor obstacle.

small concern

Indicates the problem is not substantial or worrying.

negligible matter

Stresses that the problem is so small it can be ignored.

unimportant detail

Suggests that the problem is merely a minor aspect of a larger situation.

triviality

Refers to something lacking in seriousness or value.

small snag

Indicates a minor obstacle or difficulty.

piddling concern

Emphasizes the pettiness and insignificance of the problem.

FAQs

What does "petty problem" mean?

A "petty problem" refers to a minor, insignificant issue or difficulty, often one that is easily resolved or not worth significant attention.

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

You can use "petty problem" to describe issues that are small and unimportant compared to larger concerns. For example: "The argument over office supplies was a "trivial issue" in the grand scheme of things."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "petty problem"?

Alternatives to "petty problem" include "minor issue", "small concern", "trivial matter", or "insignificant difficulty". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "petty problem" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "petty problem" might be considered too informal for some formal writing. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "minor issue" or "small challenge" in professional or academic contexts.