pretty trivial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretty trivial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is considered to be of little importance or significance. Example: "While the project had its challenges, the final decision was pretty trivial in the grand scheme of things."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Pretty trivial stuff.

The Guardian

"It really is a pretty trivial accounting problem," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

It is not only the mayor's supporters who wonder why the government is determined to pursue what by Mexican standards is a pretty trivial charge.

The Economist

When she sees so many real troubles and people starving and that sort of thing, I mean, it would seem pretty trivial and self-centered of us".

The New Yorker

"It's pretty trivial at this stage — they hardly sell any," said Lin Huaibin, the manager of China vehicle sales forecasts at IHS Automotive, a global consulting firm.

The New York Times

The amounts they raise on global capital markets are pretty trivial: less than 2% of South Korean and Singaporean government debt is denominated in foreign currency, for example.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Mr. Boisselier also stars in the series' one out-and-out misfire, Bernard Jeanjean's "Tell Me I'm Pretty," a trivial dating comedy of lies and crossed signals.

The New York Times

Yes, "21 and Over" is pretty silly, even trivial; yet somehow its forced humor seems stretched, like a rictus, over a time and a place of terrible crisis, though the alternative — not being in college at all — comes off even worse.

The New Yorker

Although this may seem vain and trivial, I'm pretty happy that I grew up thinking mothers were multi-faceted, colorful, and incredibly glamorous and that "mom jeans" meant hip, sexy and worn with a 6-inch heel.

Huffington Post

We won, but not before I had enjoyed a moment of trivial intimacy with the pretty young monarch.

The Guardian

While getting started with the service isn't trivial, it should be pretty easy to do for most developers.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pretty trivial", ensure the context clearly indicates a minor issue in relation to larger concerns. Overusing it can diminish the perceived importance of crucial points.

Common error

Avoid using "pretty trivial" to describe matters of significant ethical or emotional weight; doing so can come across as insensitive or dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty trivial" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that something is of little importance or consequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Tech

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pretty trivial" is a grammatically sound and commonly used way to describe something of little significance. As evidenced by Ludwig AI's analysis and numerous real-world examples, it is suitable for neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. However, writers should be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation in emotionally charged situations and consider using more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. The phrase is well-recognized and understood, making it a useful addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly insignificant

Emphasizes the lack of importance in a more formal tone.

rather unimportant

Indicates a slightly higher degree of insignificance than "pretty trivial".

quite negligible

Suggests that something is so small it can be ignored.

largely inconsequential

Highlights that something has no significant effect or outcome.

mostly immaterial

Implies something is not relevant or pertinent to the situation.

hardly significant

Stresses the lack of importance or consequence.

barely relevant

Focuses on the lack of connection or applicability.

of little consequence

A more formal way of saying something is not important.

not a big deal

An informal way to express that something is not a cause for concern.

minor issue

Highlights that something is a small problem.

FAQs

How can I use "pretty trivial" in a sentence?

You can use "pretty trivial" to describe something that is not important or significant in a particular context. For example: "The cost difference between the two options is "pretty trivial"."

What are some alternatives to saying "pretty trivial"?

Some alternatives include "fairly insignificant", "rather unimportant", or "relatively minor", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "pretty trivial" in formal writing?

While "pretty trivial" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "largely inconsequential" or "mostly immaterial" in academic or professional contexts to maintain a higher degree of formality.

What is the difference between "pretty trivial" and "very trivial"?

"Pretty trivial" suggests a moderate degree of insignificance, while "very trivial" implies a higher degree. The choice depends on the extent to which something is considered unimportant. The alternative "quite trivial" has a similar meaning to "pretty trivial".