the petty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the petty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to trivial or insignificant matters, often in a critical context. Example: "She was tired of dealing with the petty arguments that seemed to arise every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

On the petty limitations went.

Independent

Beware the petty dictator.

The Guardian

The petty theft of subway riders' fedoras.

The New York Times

Richelieu was born into the petty nobility.

The New York Times - Arts

What is the petty cash for?

The Guardian - Money

The Petty family is Nascar history.

The New York Times - Sports

The petty feuds brought the two to blows.

The New York Times

Restrictions range from the petty to the serious.

The New York Times

The petty officer knew he needed a change of scene.

The New York Times

Beneath the petty squabbling lay serious war-related disputes.

The New York Times

These emotions dissolve the petty, small-minded self.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the petty", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being described as insignificant or trivial. It's often used to express disdain or dismissal of something considered unimportant.

Common error

Avoid using "the petty" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral or precise term might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "the trivial" or "the insignificant" to maintain a more objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the petty" functions as a determiner plus adjective construction. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun it modifies is of little importance or consequence. Ludwig AI examples show this across various contexts, confirming its adjectival role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the petty" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something insignificant or trivial. As shown by Ludwig AI, it's most frequently found in news and media sources, and carries a neutral register with a slightly negative connotation. When writing, it's best to use "the petty" to diminish the importance of something while avoiding overuse in formal contexts. Related phrases like "the trivial" or "the insignificant" can offer a more objective tone. The phrase's widespread use underscores its effectiveness in conveying a sense of disdain or dismissal for minor issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the trivial

Focuses on the insignificance or lack of importance.

the insignificant

Highlights the lack of significance or consequence.

the minor

Emphasizes the small scale or degree.

the trifling

Stresses the lack of worth or value.

the inconsequential

Highlights the lack of importance or relevance.

the negligible

Indicates that something is so small as to be unworthy of attention.

the unimportant

Focuses on the lack of importance.

the lesser

Implies a smaller degree or significance.

the small-minded

Highlights narrow-mindedness and lack of generosity.

the paltry

Emphasizes the inadequacy or insignificance of something.

FAQs

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

"The petty" is used to describe something trivial or insignificant. For example, "She refused to get involved in "the petty" squabbles of her coworkers."

What are some synonyms for "the petty"?

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

When is it appropriate to use "the petty" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "the petty" when you want to emphasize the insignificance or triviality of something, often with a slightly negative or dismissive tone. It works well in informal writing and news articles.

What is the difference between "the petty" and "the trivial"?

While both "the petty" and "the trivial" refer to something unimportant, "the petty" often carries a stronger connotation of disdain or contempt, suggesting that the thing is not only unimportant but also annoying or bothersome.