a marginal point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a marginal point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a topic or issue that is not central or significant to the main discussion or argument. Example: "While the study presents interesting findings, the discussion of the methodology is a marginal point that does not affect the overall conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A co-dimension two bifurcation analysis of the plasma problem is presented at a marginal point where two different wavelengths become simultaneously unstable.

Physica D: Nonlinear Phenomena

40 However, in our study, we tried to compare the differences between gel and ointment only from a marginal point of view.

ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In the presence of SA, a paraxial focal point and a marginal focal point are no longer identical, i.e., SA generates longitudinal aberration (LA).

Biomedical Optics Express

Therefore, they suffer a loss D w at this marginal point, which is precisely equal to D R. The second part of the lemma highlights two positive effects of r on E[R].

IZA Journal of Migration

"The marginal assist is worth more money to the point guard than the marginal point," Morey says.

The New York Times - Magazine

The layout with 12 cells is the marginal point where the network capacity and the total guaranteed data rate are almost equal; the use of only five cells provides a very low capacity. Figure 6 The total network and VNO capacity.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The pairwise joint modes are close to the marginal point estimates in Table 4.

Genetics

A FiveThirtyEight study from just after the 2008 election found that "each marginal 10-point advantage in contact rate translated into a marginal 3-point gain in the popular vote in that state".

The New York Times

In this study, the channel is a broad concept and includes the major channel as well as the marginal point-bar infills.

Petroleum Science

This has favorable implications for both stability analysis, where small numerical errors in the energy may significantly affect the computation of marginal points, and transport applications, for which equilibrium computations on coarse meshes are desirable.

Journal of Computational Physics

0le {P}_{G, CHP}(t)le {P}_{G, CHP}left(beta right)times Mleft( CHP,tright) (26 where α, β, θ, and λ are the four marginal points of the electrical-thermal characteristic of combined heat and power.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a marginal point" when you want to downplay the significance of a particular detail or argument within a larger context. It is useful for indicating that something is not essential to the core message.

Common error

Avoid using "a marginal point" too frequently, as it can weaken your overall argument by suggesting that many of your points are unimportant or irrelevant. Reserve it for truly minor details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a marginal point" functions as a qualifier, indicating that the noun it modifies (point) is of minor significance or relevance. It's used to downplay the importance of a specific detail within a larger context. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a marginal point" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English. As Ludwig underlines, it serves to de-emphasize the importance of a particular detail or argument. While not exceptionally common, occurring primarily in science, news media, and business contexts, the phrase is a useful tool for clarifying the relative significance of different elements within a discussion or piece of writing. Understanding its function and purpose enables writers to use it effectively, avoiding overuse while appropriately signaling the limited relevance of certain information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor detail

Refers to something insignificant in the overall context.

a trivial matter

Highlights the unimportance or insignificance of something.

an inconsequential aspect

Emphasizes the lack of consequence or importance of a particular facet.

a negligible element

Indicates that something is so small or unimportant that it can be disregarded.

a secondary issue

Suggests that something is less important than the primary issue.

a peripheral concern

Indicates that something is on the edge of the main focus or concern.

a tangential point

Implies that something is only slightly related to the main subject.

a side note

Suggests that something is added as an extra piece of information but is not essential.

a small consideration

Highlights that something needs to be thought about, but is not highly important.

a subtle nuance

Indicates a fine distinction or detail that may not be immediately obvious or important.

FAQs

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

You can use "a marginal point" to indicate that a particular detail is not essential to the main argument or discussion. For example: "While the data shows a slight increase, it's "a marginal point" and doesn't significantly impact the overall conclusion."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "a marginal point"?

Several phrases convey a similar meaning to "a marginal point", including "a minor detail", "a trivial matter", or "an inconsequential aspect". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a marginal point" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to acknowledge a detail without giving it undue emphasis. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall purpose of your writing.

What is the difference between "a marginal point" and "a key issue"?

"A marginal point" refers to something of minor importance, while "a key issue" indicates something that is central and significant. Using them appropriately depends on the relative importance of the detail you are discussing.