trivial item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trivial item" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is insignificant or of little importance in a given context. Example: "In the grand scheme of the project, this is just a trivial item that can be easily overlooked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

George's joke: If Ed Miliband's King John… In money terms, the most trivial item in George Osborne's Budget speech was his promise of a grant to the Magna Carta Trust towards the 800th anniversary next year.

Independent

Besides being a handy catchall for the day's top headlines, the Crawl is attractive to news directors in that it enables them to dispense with an occasional trivial item -- information that would seem jarring or silly if spoken aloud in the midst of weighty war events.

The New York Times - Magazine

Similarly, the low correlations between the AIDA subscale "Incoherence-autonomy vs. over-identification" and the temperament factor Reward Dependence / social responsiveness (−.01) and the character factor Cooperativeness (.00) may speak for the successful attempt to avoid trivial item overlap between alternative constructs in general and an overlap with sociability in particular.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

(3) It requires an immense amount of development on apparently trivial items.

The Economist

"Today, people view their collectibles quite differently -- as if everything, even the most trivial items, would be as valuable as diamonds someday".

The New York Times - Arts

The expenses scandal of that year sparked outrage as some politicians claimed for trivial items and played the system to get taxpayer cash for furnishing two homes.

The Guardian

He stole trivial items he did not need and his behavior became so brazen he was forced to resign from the police force.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a mundane but unavoidable list of a dozen or so trivial items that ranged from a dog identification tag (imprinted with our new address) to shower curtain rings.

The New York Times - Tech

Among the small, trivial items: a few dollars for Bill for new transmission for his Chevy (he once gave the writer a 30-mile tow); $1,000 for the National Endowment for the Arts earmarked for a struggling young country fiddler.

The New Yorker

These little, often trivial items, can make or break a Christmas morning.

TechCrunch

Now you can't be so strait-jacketed by that to ignore issues that warrant your attention, but nor can you afford to be blown about by trivial items".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "trivial item", ensure the context clearly establishes why the item is considered insignificant. This helps avoid any ambiguity or misinterpretation of its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "trivial item" to dismiss genuine concerns or issues. Using the phrase inappropriately can minimize valid points and damage credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trivial item" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies something as being of little importance or consequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct, with the examples showing use in diverse contexts, from budget speeches to personal expenses.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trivial item" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote something of little significance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and it appears primarily in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While considered rare, understanding its appropriate use and available alternatives, such as "minor detail" or "insignificant matter", can enhance clarity and precision in your writing. Be cautious not to misuse it by dismissing valid concerns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor detail

Focuses on the small and potentially insignificant nature of the item.

insignificant matter

Highlights the lack of importance of the item.

unimportant detail

Emphasizes the lack of consequence associated with the item.

negligible element

Stresses that the item is so small it can be disregarded.

inconsequential aspect

Indicates that the item has no real impact or effect.

petty concern

Suggests the item is small-minded and unworthy of attention.

frivolous object

Implies the item lacks seriousness or purpose.

small thing

A more informal way of saying the item is not important.

unsubstantial point

Highlights the lack of weight or importance of the item.

trifling element

Indicates the item is of very little value or importance.

FAQs

What does "trivial item" mean?

A "trivial item" refers to something that is insignificant, unimportant, or of little value in a particular context. It's often used to describe things that can be easily overlooked or disregarded.

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

You might say, "In the grand scheme of things, the cost of the replacement bulb is a "minor detail"." Or, "The missing button is a "insignificant matter" compared to the overall design."

What are some alternatives to "trivial item"?

Consider using "minor detail", "insignificant matter", "unimportant detail", or "negligible element" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to describe something as a "trivial item"?

It's appropriate when the item in question has little to no impact on the overall outcome or situation. However, be mindful of the context and avoid using it to belittle genuine concerns or contributions from others.