trivial matter

USAGE SUMMARY

"trivial matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to something minor or insignificant. For example: "Considering it was a trivial matter, I wasn't surprised the court didn't issue a ruling on it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A trivial matter?

The New York Times - Arts

That's no trivial matter.

The New York Times

This is no trivial matter.

The New York Times

It's not a trivial matter.

The New Yorker

Allergies are no trivial matter.

The New York Times - Health

This is a trivial matter.

The New York Times

And that is not a trivial matter.

The Economist

Quantitative easing is not a trivial matter.

The New York Times

That can't be a trivial matter.

The Guardian

"Frankly, this is such a trivial matter".

The New York Times

Donating bone marrow isn't a trivial matter.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trivial matter" when you want to downplay the importance of an issue or concern. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider the audience to avoid sounding dismissive.

Common error

While "trivial matter" is widely accepted, in highly formal or professional settings, consider using alternatives like "insignificant detail" or "minor issue" to maintain a more serious tone. Reserve "trivial matter" for instances where a slightly more casual approach is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trivial matter" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or as a complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to something of little importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trivial matter" is a noun phrase widely used to describe something of little importance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for general communication. While acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "minor detail" in professional settings. Remember, overuse can diminish the perceived significance of important issues. The related phrases provide alternative ways to express the concept of insignificance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Insignificant detail

Focuses on the lack of importance of a specific piece of information.

Minor detail

Highlights the smallness and lack of consequence of the detail.

Petty issue

Emphasizes the triviality and often the annoyance associated with the issue.

Inconsequential thing

Underscores the lack of impact or importance of the thing.

Unimportant item

Directly states that the item in question is not important.

Small potatoes

An idiomatic expression indicating something is of little consequence.

Nothing burger

A slang term implying something is ultimately without substance or significance.

Storm in a teacup

An idiomatic expression referring to a disproportionate reaction to a minor event.

Tempest in a teapot

Similar to "storm in a teacup", highlighting an overreaction to a trivial event.

Light matter

Suggests the matter isn't heavy or serious.

FAQs

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

You can use "trivial matter" to describe something unimportant, as in, "The argument was over a "trivial matter" that neither of us remembers now."

What can I say instead of "trivial matter"?

You can use alternatives like "minor detail", "insignificant detail", or "petty issue" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "trivial matter" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the specific context. Alternatives like "minor issue" or "inconsequential detail" may be more suitable for highly formal situations.

What's the difference between "trivial matter" and "serious issue"?

"Trivial matter" refers to something unimportant or insignificant, while "serious issue" describes a significant problem with potentially severe consequences. They are antonyms.