a marginal force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a marginal force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a force that has a minimal or secondary impact in a given context, often in discussions of physics, social dynamics, or influence. Example: "In the debate over climate change, the opinions of a marginal force can sometimes sway the overall consensus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

White Democrats are now so dispersed in the conservative suburbs that they are becoming a marginal force in national politics.

The New York Times

Furthermore, political Islam - until then a marginal force in Pakistani politics - acquired buoyancy, and a radical edge, from the anti-communist jihad in Afghanistan.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Co-operative movement needs to take this opportunity to recognise why it has become such a marginal force in the economy and politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

Britain (at least viewed from Warsaw) seems a marginal force in Europe.Meanwhile Poland is learning to play the European game at a high level.

The Economist

In his point of view the screening was necessary as Hungary had sided too readily with Israel during the recent conflict in Gaza.Jobbik is not a marginal force.

The Economist

With only about 37,000 registered members in Nassau and Suffolk (and far fewer active ones), and with its candidates mostly borrowed from other parties, the Independence Party is a marginal force at best.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

On the other hand, vertical seismic force has only a marginal effect on normalized active pressure distribution as noted from Fig. 13.

International Journal of Geo-Engineering

According to Cox-Edwards and Rodriguez-Oreggia (2009), remittances have only a marginal effect on the whole labor force participation and a larger one on women participation, specifically in urban areas of states with relatively low migration tradition.

SERIEs

If memorials like those created by Whiteread and Eisenman have any value, it should surely be to make race hate an utterly marginal force, and far-right extremism the smallest of minorities.

The Guardian - Arts

A group dismissed as a marginal political force a few days ago will now be the third-largest voting block in Parliament.

The New York Times

Like Trump, each of them has developed a uniquely 21st-century strategy for gaining power, doing away with the old fascist markers that have long been marginal forces in Europe.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a marginal force", ensure the context clearly indicates what larger, more significant forces are at play. This provides a necessary contrast to emphasize the limited impact.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the influence of "a marginal force". Accurately represent its limited role to maintain credibility and precision in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a marginal force" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig, it correctly describes an entity with limited influence or power.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a marginal force" is grammatically sound and commonly used to describe an entity with limited influence or power. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase finds its place across various domains, particularly in news and media, science, and encyclopedic contexts. While grammatically correct, ensuring the context warrants a lesser impactful descriptor is key. Related alternatives include "a minor influence" or "a secondary factor". With its consistent usage and clear meaning, "a marginal force" effectively communicates the idea of a limited impact in a variety of settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor influence

Focuses on influence rather than force, suggesting a less direct impact.

a secondary factor

Highlights the factor aspect, implying it's not the primary cause.

a negligible impact

Emphasizes the insignificance of the effect.

a limited presence

Indicates a small or restricted existence or impact.

a peripheral role

Suggests a position on the edge or outside of the main action.

a slight effect

Highlights the mildness or weakness of the effect.

a minimal impact

Stresses the smallness of the effect.

a trivial power

Conveys the idea of having little importance or significance.

an insignificant element

Emphasizes lack of importance.

a weak influence

Highlights the lack of strength regarding influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a marginal force" to describe something that has a small or insignificant impact. For example, "While social media played a role, it was only "a marginal force" in the election outcome."

What's a good substitute for "a marginal force"?

Alternatives include "a minor influence", "a secondary factor", or "a negligible impact". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "marginal force" or "minor force"?

Both "marginal force" and "minor force" are acceptable. "Marginal" suggests being on the edge or periphery, while "minor" simply means smaller or less important. Choose the word that best fits the context.

How does "a marginal force" differ from "a driving force"?

While "a marginal force" has a limited effect, "a driving force" is a primary cause or influence. They represent opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of impact.