trivial matters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trivial matters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to issues or topics that are considered insignificant or unimportant. Example: "During the meeting, we spent too much time discussing trivial matters instead of focusing on the main agenda."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And these are not trivial matters".

The New York Times

FOR airlines like Delta, these are not trivial matters.

The New York Times

Why did he trouble himself over such trivial matters?

The New Yorker

Such an increase may leave people stymied by trivial matters.

The New York Times

The stoic patient never makes office visits for trivial matters.

The New York Times - Health

Diversity reduction, climate change, and overpopulation are seen as trivial matters to the doubtful.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He pledged to: Prevent councils snooping on people for trivial matters.

The Guardian

After the 2016 election, Warner expected to take over the Rules Committee, overseeing trivial matters.

The Washington Post

We will change the law that allows councils to snoop on people for trivial matters.

The Guardian - Opinion

The performance and powers of the F.B.I. are not trivial matters.

The New York Times

But elephant matriarchs aren't concerned with trivial matters; they have survival in mind.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, be mindful of your audience. Using "trivial matters" can sometimes sound dismissive. Consider whether a more empathetic or nuanced phrase would be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "trivial matters" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "minor details" or "insignificant issues" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trivial matters" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used to describe issues, concerns, or details that lack significance or importance. Examples include "Why did he trouble himself over such trivial matters?" and "Negotiators discussed such seemingly trivial matters..."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

13%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0.01%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trivial matters" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes unimportant issues or concerns. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, used to refer to issues or topics that are considered insignificant or unimportant. It appears most commonly in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki contexts, and its purpose is to dismiss or downplay the importance of the subject at hand. While generally neutral in register, careful consideration should be given to the audience to avoid sounding dismissive. Synonyms such as "minor details" or "insignificant issues" can be used to add variety to writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Insignificant matters

Focuses on the lack of significance of the issues.

Unimportant issues

Highlights the lack of importance of the subjects.

Petty concerns

Emphasizes the small-mindedness or narrow focus of the issues.

Minor details

Refers to small and often overlooked aspects.

Negligible affairs

Stresses the insignificance and lack of consequence of the issues.

Small potatoes

An idiomatic expression indicating something is unimportant or insignificant.

Light matters

Indicates the problems are easy or cheerful.

Worthless concerns

Emphasizes the lack of value or merit in the concerns.

Secondary considerations

Highlights their subordinate status in importance compared to other issues.

Fiddling details

Refers to details that are fussy and time-consuming, yet ultimately unimportant.

FAQs

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

You can use "trivial matters" to describe issues or details that are not important or significant. For example: "The meeting was bogged down by discussions of "trivial matters"."

What can I say instead of "trivial matters"?

You can use alternatives like "minor details", "insignificant issues", or "petty concerns" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "trivial matters" or "trivial issues"?

Both ""trivial matters"" and "trivial issues" are correct. The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. "Matters" is slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "trivial matters" and "minor details"?

"Trivial matters" generally refers to unimportant issues, while "minor details" refers to small, often overlooked aspects of something. The terms are often interchangeable, but "minor details" emphasizes the size or scope of the information.