trivial activity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trivial activity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or task that is considered insignificant or of little importance. Example: "While some may find it a trivial activity, I believe that even small tasks can contribute to our overall productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

P2: Watching television is an intellectually trivial activity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times

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

This warped sense of value is all too common amidst the fragmentation and desperation of modern life, in its "restless, nervous, bustling, trivial" activity (Walden, XVIII).

SEP

However, finding the dependencies among programs without the support of a tool is not a trivial activity and, in many cases, becomes a barrier to build more sophisticated models and analysis.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 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

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

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

IFAC-PapersOnLine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where time is being wasted on unimportant things, use "trivial activity" to highlight the lack of value or productivity.

Common error

Avoid using "trivial activity" excessively in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound dismissive or condescending. Opt for more nuanced language that accurately reflects the activity's impact without undermining its potential value or complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trivial activity" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "trivial" modifies the noun "activity". It serves to describe an action or task as being of little importance or consequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English to denote insignificant actions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Science

46%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trivial activity" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes an action or task of little importance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it appears in various contexts, including news, scientific writing, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, be mindful of the potential negative connotations, especially in formal settings, and consider alternative expressions like "insignificant task" or "minor undertaking" depending on the specific context. Remember, the goal is to accurately reflect the activity's impact without being unnecessarily dismissive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insignificant task

Replaces 'activity' with 'task', slightly altering the focus from a general action to a specific piece of work.

minor undertaking

Uses 'undertaking' to suggest a project or endeavor, implying a more structured activity but still of low importance.

inconsequential pursuit

Emphasizes the lack of important results or effects, making it less about the action itself and more about its outcome.

unimportant occupation

Suggests a use of time that lacks significance, focusing on the time spent rather than the activity's nature.

negligible endeavor

Highlights the minimal effort or impact of the activity, suitable when describing something easily dismissed.

meaningless action

Focuses on the lack of purpose or value in the activity, emphasizing its futility.

frivolous pursuit

Indicates a lighthearted and unserious nature, suggesting the activity is more for amusement than practical value.

idle pastime

Emphasizes the recreational and unproductive nature of the activity, highlighting its role in leisure time.

petty chore

Refers to a small, often domestic task that is tedious and unimportant.

worthless exercise

Implies that the activity provides no benefit or gain, stressing its lack of utility.

FAQs

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

You can use "trivial activity" to describe something unimportant. For example: "Some consider watching reality TV a "trivial activity", but others find it entertaining."

What are some synonyms for "trivial activity"?

Alternatives to "trivial activity" include "insignificant task", "minor undertaking", or "inconsequential pursuit", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to describe work tasks as a "trivial activity"?

While technically correct, calling a work task a "trivial activity" might be perceived negatively. Consider using a more diplomatic term like "routine task" or "minor responsibility" to avoid undermining its perceived importance.

What's the difference between a "trivial activity" and a "hobby"?

A "trivial activity" is something unimportant or inconsequential, while a "hobby" is a leisure activity pursued for enjoyment. A hobby might seem trivial to others, but it holds personal significance for the individual involved. Therefore, labeling a hobby as ""trivial activity"" can be dismissive.