petty reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "petty reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a trivial or insignificant justification for an action or decision. Example: "He was upset over a petty reason, which seemed unworthy of the argument they had."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Details that those of less enlightened generations might have viewed as embarrassing — who you slept with last night, how many drinks you had before getting sick in your friend's car, the petty reason you had dropped a friend or been fired from a job — are instead signature elements of one's personal brand.

The New York Times

There used to be twice as many but a bunch were shut down by the city for this or that petty reason.

Vice

Sometimes, people leak as a way to screw over their workplace rivals, or for some other petty reason; you might want to ask yourself if this material you're trying to send to the press is really going to be of interest to anyone.

Vice

That is a petty reason to stay.

WikiHow

A petitioner may be rejected by a current member for a petty reason.

WikiHow

Mature people don't post people's private photos or messages online to get back at them for some petty reason.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Upscale parents, and for petty reasons.

The Washington Post

NBC would understandably bristle at the idea that it would send its hosts to a war zone for petty reasons.

The New York Times

"These are all quite petty reasons," said Cesar Molinas, the head of fixed-income strategy at Merrill Lynch in London.

The New York Times

David Schwimmer plays the company commander, the sadistic Herbert Sobel, who cancels weekend passes on a whim, doles out punishments for petty reasons, but gets lost on training maneuvers.

The New York Times

Indeed, recent studies have reported couples finding themselves nudged into nuptials for petty reasons, such as a joint lease or attachment to each other's pets.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives like "trivial justification" or "insignificant motive" if you want to subtly shift the emphasis on the degree of unimportance.

Common error

While "petty reason" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone appear overly dismissive or condescending. In academic or professional contexts, consider using more neutral language like "minor factor" or "insignificant consideration" to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "petty reason" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "petty" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "reason". It describes the quality or nature of the reason, indicating that it is of little importance or significance. This is supported by Ludwig AI, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "petty reason" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a trivial or unimportant justification. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. While the phrase appears across various contexts, it is most frequently found in news and media. The phrase is effective in downplaying the significance of a motive, and is often used to express disapproval. When using "petty reason", be mindful of the potential for sounding dismissive, especially in formal settings. Consider alternatives like "minor factor" or "insignificant consideration" when a more objective tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trivial justification

Emphasizes the insignificance of the justification.

minor cause

Focuses on the small scale of the cause.

insignificant motive

Highlights the lack of importance of the motive.

frivolous ground

Suggests the reason is not serious or has no value.

slight pretext

Implies the reason is used to conceal the real purpose.

shallow rationale

Indicates a lack of depth or substance in the reasoning.

unimportant basis

Stresses that the reason does not carry significance.

negligible consideration

Highlights that the reason is too small to be worth considering.

paltry excuse

Suggests a poor or inadequate attempt to justify something.

small detail

Emphasizes the diminutive nature of the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "petty reason" to describe an unimportant or trivial justification for something, like: "The argument started over a "petty reason" that neither of them could even remember the next day."

What are some alternatives to "petty reason"?

Alternatives include "trivial reason", "insignificant motive", or "minor cause", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a reason is petty"?

Yes, saying "a reason is petty" is grammatically correct. The adjective "petty" describes the nature of the reason.

What is the difference between "petty reason" and "legitimate reason"?

"Petty reason" implies the justification is unimportant or trivial, while "legitimate reason" suggests the justification is valid and reasonable. They are antonyms.