a marginal consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a marginal consequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an outcome or effect that is minor or insignificant in relation to a larger issue or event. Example: "The changes in policy had a marginal consequence on the overall performance of the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In this review, we will provide evidence that dysfunctions of affected muscle cells are not only a marginal consequence of denervation associated to motor neurons loss, but a direct consequence of cell muscle toxicity of mutant SOD1.

Neurochemistry International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But that campaign has had, seemingly, only a marginal effect.

Huffington Post

It is unwise to waste precious power on a battle that is of marginal consequence.

Huffington Post

Time from onset to diagnosis was not an indicator for death, which suggests that the rapidity with which a patient receives supportive care may be of marginal consequence.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Against the backdrop of other current government computer security lapses, notably the large-scale theft of files from the Office of Personnel Management, most specialists believe the occasional appearance of classified information in the Clinton account was probably of marginal consequence.

The New York Times

Anything he says or does beyond that is of marginal consequence - even if it directly contracts the life and teaching of Jesus.

Huffington Post

Total K+ content of cells was only slightly affected by 10 mM NaCl, suggesting that the homeostasis of K+ is of marginal consequence in the Na+ stress response of this strain.

Biological Procedures Online

As the book begins, he is in the process of ridding himself of one of these, with lethal though marginal consequences.

The New York Times - Books

It should be mentioned though, that using these different ranking approaches had marginal consequences on the grouping, affecting mainly those antigens at the edges of each of the groups.

BMC Medical Genomics

Hence, the voicelessness exhibited in the sequences under investigation was explained as an instance of passive devoicing as a consequence of the supralaryngeal articulation and a marginal glottal setting.

Plosone

Nearly 320,000 families are to face a marginal income tax rate of more than 50% as a consequence of child benefit being withdrawn from individuals earning in excess of £50,000, the Institute of Fiscal Studies has suggested.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "a marginal consequence" with stronger or more precise language if you want to emphasize the significance of the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "a marginal consequence" when the outcome is, in fact, significant. This phrase implies a minor or negligible effect, so ensure it accurately reflects the situation you are describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a marginal consequence" functions as a noun phrase, where "marginal" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "consequence". It describes a result or effect that is of minor importance or significance. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a marginal consequence" is used to describe an outcome or effect that is minor or insignificant. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing, particularly in scientific and analytical contexts. While not very common, its use indicates that an event has a small impact. Alternatives like "a minor effect" or "a negligible impact" can be used to convey a similar meaning. When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly establishes the primary event to which the consequence is marginal to avoid misinterpretations. It is important to use the expression in contexts where the result is truly unimportant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor result

Focuses on the insignificance of the outcome.

a slight effect

Emphasizes the small degree of impact.

a negligible impact

Highlights that the effect is so small it can be disregarded.

an insignificant outcome

Stresses the lack of importance of the result.

a trivial repercussion

Underscores the unimportance of the consequence.

a secondary effect

Suggests the outcome is not the primary or intended one.

a minimal impact

Highlights the limited influence or effect.

a slim effect

Highlights the slim influence or effect.

a faint effect

Highlights the faint influence or effect.

a small repercussion

Emphasizes the limited scale of the repercussions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a marginal consequence" to describe an outcome that is minor or insignificant in relation to a larger event or issue. For example, "The policy change had "a marginal consequence" on overall productivity".

What are some alternatives to "a marginal consequence"?

Alternatives include "a minor effect", "a negligible impact", or "an insignificant outcome", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a marginal consequence" in formal writing?

Yes, "a marginal consequence" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific or analytical contexts where precise language is important. However, consider the audience and ensure the tone is appropriate.

What is the difference between "a marginal consequence" and "a significant consequence"?

"A marginal consequence" indicates that the outcome is small or unimportant, while "a significant consequence" implies that the outcome is substantial and noteworthy. The choice depends on the actual impact of the event being described.