trivial point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trivial point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a matter or detail that is considered insignificant or unimportant in a discussion or argument. Example: "While I appreciate your input, I believe we should focus on the main issues rather than getting bogged down by this trivial point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Not a wholly trivial point.

The Guardian

It's not quite a trivial point.

The New Yorker

"This is not a trivial point.

The Guardian

It may seem a trivial point.

The New York Times - Sports

This is obviously not a trivial point of difference.

The New York Times

Maybe it's a trivial point, but I think it needs saying.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Earlier this year, it seemed possible that the two men, both dynastic scions, both from the moderate wings of their parties, would agree on so much that real arguments about America's future would fade away in trivial point-scoring.

The Economist

Traditionally the questions I get are always things like: 'How can you have a black police officers' association when you don't have a white one?' These silly trivial point-making questions from people who think it's clever to try to bait me because they see me as the high priest of political correctness.

The Guardian

It is hostile, in a petty way, on trivial points and uncritical on any matter of substance.

The Economist

A few points that come to mind immediately (with an attempt to avoid obfuscating the logic with jargon and trivial points): Suckewer's claim that we can't attribute CO2 rise to human activity: well, we can.

Princeton University

To think "flipping heck, people get prickly about such trivial points of difference nowadays – what next the Baldie Liberation Front?" But that response would be to ignore a very real threat.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trivial point" to politely downplay an element in a discussion without being dismissive. For example, "While that's a "trivial point", let's focus on the core issue."

Common error

Avoid using "trivial point" excessively in highly formal or academic writing, as it can sometimes sound dismissive. Opt for more neutral terms like "minor detail" or "insignificant aspect" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trivial point" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "trivial" modifies the noun "point". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, typically referring to something insignificant.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trivial point" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to minimize the importance of a specific detail or argument. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and general usability in written English. While it is prevalent in news and media, it also finds application in scientific and formal business contexts. When writing, consider the formality of your piece: more neutral terms might be preferred in certain academic settings. Alternatives to "trivial point" include "minor detail" and "insignificant matter". Always consider the context to ensure your message is conveyed effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor detail

Focuses on the smallness of the element being considered.

insignificant matter

Highlights the lack of importance of the issue.

unimportant detail

Directly states the lack of importance in the specifics.

negligible issue

Emphasizes the ease with which the matter can be disregarded.

petty concern

Suggests the matter is small and possibly immature or unreasonable to focus on.

small matter

Indicates the limited size or scope of the issue.

inconsequential thing

Points out that the item has no significant consequences.

trifling detail

Emphasizes the lack of worth or significance of the information.

immaterial point

Suggests the point does not bear on the matter at hand.

beside the point

Indicates the detail is not relevant to the current discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "trivial point" to indicate that something is not important or significant. For example: "While that may seem like a "trivial point", it's important to address it."

What can I say instead of "trivial point"?

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

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

While "trivial point" is generally acceptable, in highly formal writing it might be better to use alternatives like "minor detail" or "insignificant aspect" to maintain a more neutral tone.

What is the difference between "trivial point" and "immaterial point"?

"Trivial point" suggests something is unimportant, while "immaterial point" suggests that it is irrelevant to the discussion.