a marginal option

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a marginal option" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a choice or alternative that is not a primary or significant option, often implying that it is less favorable or less likely to be chosen. Example: "While there are several strong candidates for the position, we also considered a marginal option that could bring a unique perspective to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In Italy, birthing pools were introduced in 1990 but are considered a marginal care option.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Amid bitter and vital debates about the economy, benefits, housing and defence, why worry about the concerns of what is, for now, a fairly marginal transport option?

The Guardian

As proper journalism became impossibly expensive and the recycling of PR handouts and pandering to advertisers became an easy option, what had been a marginal feature in our media landscape became a central mountain of cheap coverage about aspirational stuff.

The Guardian - Opinion

Other options, such as using a marginal analysis, were employed in some reviews, whilst in other reviews the methodologies used were unclear.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

A knowledge of the feasible option sets requiring high incremental cost for a marginal gain in hazard reduction helps the management to make decision for residual risk that falls within an acceptable range for an option set.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

And after next year, when a new compulsory English language GCSE is introduced, the risk is that it will become even more marginal – an option for high achievers only.

The Guardian - Books

An infinite number of options exist, many of which would have a marginal impact on the distribution (although not the order) of the scores.

BMC Health Services Research

Surgical treatment remains the best curative option and appears to prolong life, with chemotherapy adding a marginal advantage.

Surgical Case Reports

We conclude that taking into account the no-choice option when designing a no-choice experiment only has a marginal effect on the estimation and prediction accuracy as long as the model used for estimation matches the data-generating model.

International Journal of Research in Marketing

Adjusting upward the weight threshold for anorexia nervosa is another option (Garfinkel et al., 1995a; Watson & Andersen, 2003), although only a marginal change could be accommodated without undermining the fundamental requirement that people with anorexia nervosa should be significantly underweight.

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Though western diplomats say sanctions may force Kabila and his close associates to reconsider their options, there is little sign that the pressure has had anything more than a marginal effect.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a marginal option", ensure the context clearly indicates why the option is considered less desirable or less likely to be chosen. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a marginal option" as a strong or equally viable choice. Overstating its potential can mislead the audience and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a marginal option" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a choice or possibility that is considered secondary or less significant than other alternatives.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a marginal option" is grammatically sound and functions as a noun phrase denoting a secondary or less preferred choice. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its usage frequency is currently unquantifiable due to the absence of matching examples. This phrase serves to acknowledge an alternative while implying its lower significance or likelihood of being chosen. In writing, it's crucial to ensure the context clearly conveys the reason for its marginal status, preventing potential misinterpretations. Alternatives such as "a minor possibility" or "a secondary alternative" can be used to convey a similar meaning with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor possibility

Emphasizes the low probability or significance of the option.

a secondary alternative

Indicates that the option is not the first choice.

a negligible choice

Highlights the insignificance or unimportance of the option.

a remote chance

Focuses on the unlikeliness of the option being viable.

a slim prospect

Suggests that the option has a low chance of success.

an unlikely scenario

Points out the improbability of the option occurring.

a less viable alternative

Indicates the option is less practical or feasible compared to others.

a non-preferred selection

Highlights that the option is not the favored one.

an outside possibility

Suggests the option is unlikely but still conceivable.

a fallback solution

Implies the option is only considered if primary choices fail.

FAQs

How to use "a marginal option" in a sentence?

Use "a marginal option" to refer to a choice that is not a primary or significant one. For example, "While the initial plan is preferred, we have "a marginal option" as a backup."

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

You can use alternatives like "a minor possibility", "a secondary alternative", or "a negligible choice" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a marginal option" or "a negligible option"?

Both ""a marginal option"" and "a negligible option" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Marginal" suggests a small or insignificant consideration, while "negligible" implies that it is so small it can be disregarded.

What's the difference between "a marginal option" and "a backup plan"?

"A marginal option" suggests a less desirable or likely choice, while "a backup plan" implies a prepared alternative in case the primary plan fails. The former is about preference, the latter about contingency.