trivial detail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trivial detail" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a detail that is insignificant or not important. For example, "The novel gave a detailed description of the heroine's life but omitted the trivial details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

In one trivial detail, it wasn't quite the perfect day.

The New York Times

"It's to make every trivial detail into a chronicle of history.

The Guardian - Books

This may sound like a trivial detail, but by paying attention to shopping usability, Amazon kept this customer happy-and tripled a sale.

MIT Technology Review

The fact that the wiretap had been officially suspended when the conversation was recorded and then released to the press was considered a trivial detail by the judge.

The Guardian - Opinion

The results of those early years of Mass Observation are fascinating and it is the attention to seemingly trivial detail that correlates with Svenson's work.

The Guardian - Arts

Colour was not a trivial detail to Hitchcock: the shading of light and dark on a screen was the larger part of cinema.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

those seemingly trivial details are interesting. . . .

The New Yorker

Second, he wanted his players to learn how crucial seemingly trivial details could be.

The New Yorker

They are of most interest when they observe seemingly trivial details.

The Guardian - Books

All of a sudden patterns emerge everywhere, and apparently trivial details become interesting.

The New York Times

After all, there is little point cluttering the mind with trivial details.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trivial detail" to indicate something can be safely ignored without affecting the primary subject matter. This is useful when streamlining explanations or reports.

Common error

Avoid assuming a detail is "trivial detail" without fully considering its potential influence. Sometimes seemingly small facts can drastically alter perspectives or outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trivial detail" functions as a noun phrase, where "trivial" is an adjective modifying the noun "detail". According to Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase. It serves to describe a specific piece of information or aspect that is considered unimportant or insignificant.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trivial detail" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe unimportant or insignificant aspects. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedia contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While "trivial detail" serves to downplay the importance of specific information, it's essential to consider the context carefully before dismissing a detail as truly trivial. Related phrases like "insignificant detail" or "minor detail" can be used as alternatives, but their nuance should align with the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insignificant detail

Focuses on the lack of significance or importance of the detail.

minor detail

Emphasizes the smallness or unimportance of the detail.

unimportant detail

Directly states the detail's lack of importance.

inconsequential detail

Highlights that the detail has no significant consequences.

negligible detail

Suggests the detail is so small it can be disregarded.

petty detail

Implies the detail is small-minded or of little worth.

trifling detail

Highlights the detail's lack of substance or value.

commonplace detail

Indicates the detail is ordinary and unremarkable.

mundane detail

Stresses the detail's ordinariness and lack of excitement.

irrelevant detail

Points out that the detail is not pertinent or connected to the matter at hand.

FAQs

What's a good way to use "trivial detail" in a sentence?

You can use "trivial detail" to dismiss an unimportant aspect of a situation, like: "The report focused on the core issues and ignored the "trivial detail" of office supplies."

How does "trivial detail" differ from "minor detail"?

While both suggest a lack of importance, "minor detail" often implies something is small but still potentially relevant, while "trivial detail" suggests it's insignificant and can be disregarded entirely.

What are some alternatives to "trivial detail"?

Consider using phrases like "insignificant detail", "unimportant detail", or "inconsequential detail" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it ever a mistake to dismiss something as a "trivial detail"?

Yes, assuming a detail is trivial without fully evaluating its impact can lead to overlooking important nuances. Always consider the context before dismissing something as a "trivial detail".