Marginal activity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Marginal activity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an activity that has little significance or impact in a particular context, often in business or economic discussions. Example: "The company decided to cut funding for marginal activities that do not contribute to its core objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr. Bruner's experience is typical of many who have waded into the thrilling and sometimes perilous world of blogging, a once marginal activity of Internet enthusiasts that has become squarely mainstream, with an estimated three million active blogs online, according to Nick Denton, the head of Gawker Media, a blog publisher.

The New York Times - Style

Moreover, extensive herding of sheep is a marginal activity in the country, and livestock breeders have the feeling they are marginalized and not a concern of the state.

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

Such marginal activity has been going on for decades and will very likely never stop.

The New York Times - Arts

Then, as today, painting was cultivated as a private or personal evocation, as a marginal activity.

Columbia University

Tax planning should just be some supportive, marginal activity … The tax world will not be the same".

The Guardian - Business

Both series showed only marginal activity toward the human type 1 isozyme.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

Before the bike scheme, cycling around Paris was considered a marginal activity, to be undertaken only by the reckless, rather like roller-skating behind buses.

The Guardian - Opinion

But he disdained the commercially oriented scene at Andy Warhol's Factory for, he said, "raising marginal activity to a bourgeois level".

The New Yorker

Until this happens, social enterprise will remain a marginal activity for the very young, people without dependents, the very rich and the affluent-retired.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Marginal activities become hugely profitable when you apply excessive gearing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even British executives with only marginal activities in America are quaking.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing resource allocation, clearly distinguish between core activities and "marginal activities" to justify prioritization.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "marginal activity" is entirely worthless. While it may not be central, it could still offer niche value or potential for future growth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "marginal activity" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective 'marginal' modifies the noun 'activity'. According to Ludwig, this construction is grammatically sound and commonly used. The phrase describes an activity that is not central or of primary importance within a given context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "marginal activity" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe actions of secondary importance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides examples across various domains, predominantly in science and news media. When writing, remember that while a "marginal activity" isn't central, it may still hold niche value or future potential. Consider using alternatives like "peripheral activity" or "minor activity" depending on the intended nuance. The phrase is neutral in tone and suitable for professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Peripheral activity

Emphasizes the activity's location on the edge or boundary of something more central.

Minor activity

Highlights the activity's small scale or low significance.

Secondary activity

Focuses on the activity's role as supportive or subordinate to a primary one.

Insignificant activity

Stresses the activity's lack of importance or impact.

Subsidiary activity

Indicates the activity is supplemental or auxiliary.

Ancillary activity

Highlights the activity's supportive or supplementary role.

Limited activity

Focuses on the restricted scope or scale of the activity.

Non-essential activity

Emphasizes that the activity is not crucial or necessary.

Supplementary activity

Indicates that the activity is added to complete or enhance something else.

Additional activity

Describes activity of an extra or optional nature.

FAQs

How can I use "marginal activity" in a sentence?

You can use "marginal activity" to describe something that is not essential or is of secondary importance. For example: "The company decided to discontinue the "marginal activity" due to low profitability."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "marginal activity"?

Some alternatives to "marginal activity" include "peripheral activity", "minor activity", or "secondary activity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "marginal activity" and "core activity"?

"Marginal activity" refers to an activity that is not central or essential to a business or organization's operations, while "core activity" refers to the primary and most important activities that are crucial for its success.

Is it always negative to describe something as a "marginal activity"?

Not necessarily. Describing something as a "marginal activity" simply indicates that it's not a primary focus. It can be neutral or even positive if used to justify focusing resources on more important areas. However, it can be negative if it implies neglect or undervaluation.