trivial activities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trivial activities" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to activities or tasks that are of little importance or significance. For example: "I try to avoid wasting too much time on trivial activities and focus on the things that really matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Trivializing so called "trivial" activities misses a deeper point: When these tools reach a tipping point, they reveal a utility never anticipated by their creators.

Forbes

P1: No philosopher engages in intellectually trivial activities.

Britannica

to the premises P1: No philosopher engages in intellectually trivial activities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The definition and the evaluation of potential solutions are not trivial activities.

IFAC-PapersOnLine

One mistake could land me in bed for weeks, so the potential cost of even the most trivial activities, from showering to walking to the mailbox, had to be painstakingly considered.

The New Yorker

In one recent example, Clay Shirky, a professor at New York University's Interactive Telecommunications Program, has suggested that when people engage in seemingly trivial activities like "re-Tweeting," relaying on Twitter a short message from someone else, something non-trivial — real thought and creativity — takes place on a grand scale, within a global brain.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

So it's not a trivial activity.

Cornell University

P2: Watching television is an intellectually trivial activity.

Britannica

Some find it a trivial activity for a sitting president in challenging times.

The New York Times

In the midst of the war, writing seemed to him a trivial activity, the commercial theatre meaningless.

The New Yorker

The status updates of my "friends" may not be the most reliable source — they're merely commenting on the news broadcasts and Web sites they're monitoring, and their observations are interspersed among changed profile pictures and accepted invitations and other narcissistic, trivial activity — but several of them told me that Obama had taken Ohio long before CNN or the Times did.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to emphasize the unimportance of certain actions in contrast to more meaningful endeavors, use "trivial activities" to clearly convey that distinction.

Common error

Avoid using "trivial activities" when you simply mean recreational or leisure pursuits. "Trivial activities" implies a lack of importance or value, whereas leisure activities might be valuable for relaxation or personal enrichment. Use "leisure activities" or "recreational activities" to avoid this negative connotation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trivial activities" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "trivial" modifies the noun "activities". It describes actions or pursuits characterized by a lack of importance, significance, or value. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trivial activities" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe actions or pursuits of little importance. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse contexts, particularly in discussions about productivity and time management. While it's essential to differentiate "trivial activities" from general leisure activities, understanding its negative connotation is crucial for effective communication. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can leverage the precision of "trivial activities" to convey nuanced meaning in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insignificant tasks

Focuses on the unimportance of the tasks involved.

minor undertakings

Emphasizes the scale and impact of the activities.

unimportant pursuits

Highlights the lack of value in the activities.

negligible actions

Points out the minimal effect of the actions.

petty engagements

Suggests the activities are small-minded and of little consequence.

meaningless endeavors

Focuses on the lack of purpose or value in the activities.

worthless pastimes

Highlights the lack of productive value in the activities.

frivolous occupations

Emphasizes the lighthearted and non-serious nature of the activities.

inconsequential doings

Focuses on the lack of impact or importance of the activities.

idle amusements

Suggests the activities are primarily for entertainment and lack substance.

FAQs

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

You can use "trivial activities" to describe actions that are unimportant or a waste of time, such as: "I try to minimize the time I spend on "trivial activities" during the workday."

What are some synonyms for "trivial activities"?

Some alternatives to "trivial activities" include "insignificant tasks", "minor undertakings", or "unimportant pursuits", depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to describe something as a "trivial activity"?

Yes, describing something as a "trivial activity" generally carries a negative connotation, implying that the activity is not important or valuable. Be mindful of this when choosing to use the phrase.

What's the difference between "everyday activities" and "trivial activities"?

"Everyday activities" refers to routine or normal actions, while "trivial activities" specifically describes actions that are unimportant or inconsequential. "Everyday activities" might include things like brushing your teeth, while "trivial activities" might include excessive social media scrolling.