a marginal deviation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a marginal deviation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or minor difference from a standard or expected value in various contexts, such as statistics, finance, or quality control. Example: "The results showed a marginal deviation from the expected outcomes, indicating that the experiment was largely successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Energy Conversion and Management

Plosone

Applied Water Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In the analyses, the net power generated is fixed at 30 MW with a marginal deviation in order to compare the results with the conventional cycle.

Energy Conversion and Management

The absence of nodes at distances larger than one could however involve a marginal deviation from the "hairy ball" conformation, with a few loads slightly greater than one due to inner connections in the peripheral component.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Thus, the results confirm that GGIUH model predicts fairly well the peak discharge, time to peak and time base and runoff volume of the DRH for various storm events of the studied basin with marginal deviation as discussed earlier.

Applied Water Science

Coalescent age estimates were calculated by Rho statistics [ 15] using two different mutation rates [ 16] and [ 17] shows a marginal time difference when standard deviation is taken into account, the later has been considered because of robustness in view of natural selection [ 17].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

In a desperate attempt to pretend that pre-crisis normality had returned, Mr. Trichet even raised interest rates in two steps, in response to marginal deviations from the central bank's target inflation rate.

The New York Times

Marginal deviations from standard normal quantiles occurred mainly for DWT values less than 2 m (lower left panel) and between 2 m and 3 m (lower right panel).

Forest Ecosystems

The marginal deviations may possibly come from: (1) inaccuracy in measuring the AAO pore depth with SEM, mainly from viewing angle deviation for cross-section measurement; and (2) deviation in fitting method.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Recent findings at age 26 for ZZ and SZ subjects with normal lung function and only marginal deviations in liver test results showed significantly higher plasma SLPI levels, but not α2-MG, compared to age matched healthy MM subjects [ 20].

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

Twinning did have a marginal effect on the refinement, while a significant deviation from equal volume fractions of the twin domains was not found.

Acta Crystallographica Section B: Structural Science, Crystal Engineering and Materials

The weights to combine the selected individual ranks have a marginal effect on the computed averages and standard deviations of absolute rank differences.

Accident Analysis & Prevention

The generated synthetic slip distribution is modified to have a marginal distribution of slip values with statistics (mean and standard deviation) similar to the original slip model.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing statistical data or experimental results, use "a marginal deviation" to acknowledge small variations that do not significantly impact the overall conclusions.

Common error

Avoid using "a marginal deviation" when the difference is substantial or has a significant impact on the outcome. Opt for terms like "significant deviation" or "substantial difference" to accurately reflect the magnitude of the change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a marginal deviation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the extent or degree of difference between an observed value and an expected or standard value. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase describes the variance between observed and expected results.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

100%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a marginal deviation" describes a small or insignificant difference, primarily used in formal and scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides examples from various sources. The phrase is grammatically sound, though relatively rare. When writing, ensure that the deviation is indeed minor, and consider alternative phrases like "slight difference" or "minor variance" for clarity or in less formal contexts. Understanding when to use this phrase helps in precise and nuanced communication, especially when discussing data and results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight discrepancy

Emphasizes a minor inconsistency or difference.

a minor variance

Highlights a small degree of difference from a standard or average.

a negligible difference

Indicates that the difference is so small it's practically unimportant.

a small fluctuation

Suggests a slight and irregular variation.

a minimal alteration

Focuses on the fact that a change happened but its impact is very light.

a trivial divergence

Conveys that the difference is unimportant or insignificant.

a modest shift

Indicates a small change in position or direction.

a fine distinction

Suggests that a difference exists, but it's difficult to perceive.

a hair's breadth difference

Expresses that two concepts are nearly identical.

an almost imperceptible variation

Underlines that a change is so small that you can barely perceive it.

FAQs

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

You can use "a marginal deviation" to describe a small difference or variation from an expected value or norm. For example: "The experiment showed "a marginal deviation" from the predicted results, suggesting the hypothesis is largely correct."

What's the difference between "a marginal deviation" and "a significant deviation"?

"A marginal deviation" indicates a small, often negligible difference, while "a significant deviation" implies a substantial difference that likely has important consequences.

What can I say instead of "a marginal deviation"?

Alternatives to "a marginal deviation" include "a slight difference", "a minor variance", or "a negligible difference", depending on the context.

Is "a marginal deviation" formal or informal language?

"A marginal deviation" is suitable for formal and technical contexts, such as scientific reports or statistical analyses. In more casual settings, simpler terms like "a small difference" may be more appropriate.