a fringe case

USAGE SUMMARY

"a fringe case" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation or example that is just outside the normal boundaries of a particular situation or set of criteria. For example, "She was a fringe case when it came to obtaining a loan, because her credit score was just above the accepted threshold."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It's a fringe case that makes building self-driving cars so hard.

TechCrunch

It might happen, but it would be "a fringe case," he adds.

Science Magazine

ComiXology managed to turn digital comics from a fringe case reserved for a few digital diehard enthusiasts, to a default requirement for any modern comics publisher, and it did so mainly on the backs of convenience and ease of use.

TechCrunch

"The Plateau" marked the first appearance of a fringe case in the parallel universe.

Wikipedia

You're not a fringe case, and you're not doing anything wrong.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's a weird fringe case, but it's exactly these fringe cases that makes building self-driving cars so damned hard.

TechCrunch

MTV writer Josh Wigler noted the week's Fringe case for "delivering an absolutely grotesque mystery of the week — even if the actual plot surrounding the worms was thin and unimportant in the long run".

Wikipedia

In the fringe case where it is necessary to record observations before a complete electronic patient record is available, a temporary record may be created using data in the 2D barcode, without reference to any external data sources.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

While praising the special effects, Boursaw expressed disinterest in learning more about Broyles and compared the Fringe case to something already done in The X-Files.

Wikipedia

According to Orci, the idea behind the episode's fringe case originated with the show's "amazing scientific consultants," who suggested "super-sizing a common virus" when the writers were trying to brainstorm episode cases.

Wikipedia

The episode however did lead Wigler to "start dig[ging]" Sam Weiss, and also to enjoying Olivia's subplot, but believed the episode's monster-of-the-week could have been used to actually parallel her trauma; Wigler appreciated how the Fringe case tied into Walter and Peter's backstories.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fringe case" when you want to emphasize that something is an exception to the rule or a situation that lies outside the typical boundaries of a defined set of circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "a fringe case" when referring to something that is simply uncommon but still falls within the expected range of possibilities. The term implies a more significant deviation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fringe case" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to describe a situation that lies outside the normal boundaries. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from self-driving cars to digital comics.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a fringe case" describes a situation or example that is unusual or exceptional, lying just outside the typical boundaries. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, noting it's suitable for contexts where something deviates from the norm. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Wiki and Science, suggesting a neutral to professional register. While grammatically sound, its "Rare" frequency indicates it's not an everyday expression, but rather one used to precisely categorize something as an outlier. Related phrases include "an edge case" and "an unusual circumstance", offering alternative ways to express a similar concept. When using "a fringe case", ensure the context truly warrants emphasizing a deviation, rather than simply describing something uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an edge case

Focuses on the situation being at the extreme end of possibilities.

an unusual circumstance

Highlights the uncommon nature of the event or situation.

an atypical example

Stresses the non-standard or irregular nature of the example.

a marginal situation

Focuses on the borderline nature of the situation, highlighting its proximity to a boundary.

an uncommon example

Focuses on the lack of commonality or frequency of the example.

an exceptional instance

Emphasizes the uniqueness and deviation from the norm more strongly than "a fringe case".

an outlier

Highlights the statistical deviation from the norm.

a rare occurrence

Emphasizes the infrequency of the event.

an isolated incident

Highlights the singularity and lack of connection to other events.

a boundary condition

Emphasizes the fact that it is a parameter to be considered as a threshold value.

FAQs

How can I use "a fringe case" in a sentence?

You can use "a fringe case" to describe situations or examples that are unusual or on the edge of what is considered normal. For example, "Self-driving car accidents are still "a fringe case", but they highlight the challenges of AI development."

What does "a fringe case" mean?

"A fringe case" refers to a situation or example that exists at the periphery or boundary of what is typical or expected. It often involves unique or unusual circumstances.

What are some alternatives to "a fringe case"?

Alternatives include "an edge case", "an unusual circumstance", or "an atypical example". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a fringe case" formal or informal?

"A fringe case" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in analytical or descriptive writing.