trivial topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trivial topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subject that is considered insignificant or of little importance in a discussion or context. Example: "While some may find the debate interesting, I believe it is merely a trivial topic that does not warrant further discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Now it is taking on the least trivial topic of all: God.

The New York Times - Tech

He went to hear an analytic philosopher who spoke on a trivial topic but was quite lucid.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Despite 4chan's focus on trivial topics, many Anons considered themselves crusaders for justice.

The New Yorker

Ask questions, even about the most trivial topics, to make sure you understand not only what happened, but also how the other person felt about what happened.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The students in the class find that seemingly trivial topics of discussion can quickly bleed into far more serious ones — perhaps the teacher is getting at this partly when he remarks that "what," "where," and "who" are better than "why".

The New Yorker

Hundreds of other commissions -- read on to learn why they are so often called "blue ribbon" -- were named in the years between, most on trivial topics like "Americans outdoors," but some on matters as serious as terrorism, race riots and AIDS.

The New York Times

Slitting his veins and then bandaging them again in order to delay his death, he passed the remaining hours of his life conversing with his friends on trivial topics, listening to light music and poetry, rewarding or punishing his slaves, feasting, and finally sleeping "so that his death, though forced upon him, should seem natural".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet, at times, you find yourself engaging in arguments about trivial topics like seating arrangements or napkin colors.

Huffington Post

It is a huge project, involving device compatibility, internet connectivity, and the non-trivial topic of rights to do all that.

The Guardian

Second, I think laughter can appear to be a very trivial, ephemeral topic to study – a unknown colleague of mine once took a pile of consent forms relating to a laughter study out of a printer at work and wrote a note on them saying: This pile of paper appears to be rubbish, based on the contents* and will be disposed of if not collected.

The Guardian

A trivial matter?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trivial topic" when you want to downplay the importance of a discussion point or suggest it's not worth extensive consideration. Be mindful of the context to avoid sounding dismissive or condescending.

Common error

Avoid frequently using "trivial topic" in formal writing or professional settings where a neutral or respectful tone is expected. Instead, opt for alternatives like "minor issue" or "less significant matter" to maintain professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trivial topic" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "trivial" modifies the noun "topic". It serves to categorize or describe a subject as being of little significance or importance. Ludwig examples showcase usage in news articles and encyclopedic entries.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trivial topic" is a phrase used to describe a subject of little importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable, appearing most frequently in news and media sources. While its usage is widespread, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "insignificant subject" in academic or professional settings. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase, especially in formal contexts, to maintain a respectful and professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insignificant subject

Emphasizes the lack of importance of the subject matter.

unimportant subject

Focuses on the topic's lack of consequence or relevance.

minor issue

Highlights that the topic is a small or secondary concern.

petty matter

Suggests the topic is small-minded or unnecessarily detailed.

negligible topic

Indicates that the topic is so small it can be disregarded.

shallow subject

Highlights the lack of depth or substance in the topic.

inconsequential theme

Emphasizes that the topic has no significant impact or effect.

frivolous theme

Suggests the topic is unserious and lighthearted, potentially inappropriate for the context.

commonplace topic

Indicates the topic is ordinary and unremarkable.

mundane theme

Highlights the boring or routine nature of the topic.

FAQs

What does "trivial topic" mean?

A "trivial topic" refers to a subject or matter that is considered to be of little importance, value, or significance.

What can I say instead of "trivial topic"?

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

How do I use "trivial topic" in a sentence?

You can use "trivial topic" in a sentence like this: "While some may find the debate interesting, I believe it is merely a "trivial topic" that does not warrant further discussion."

When is it inappropriate to use "trivial topic"?

Using "trivial topic" might be inappropriate when discussing subjects that are sensitive or important to others, as it can come across as dismissive. Consider the emotional impact before using this phrase.