a marginal quality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a marginal quality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is of minor importance or significance, often in a critical context. Example: "The product received mixed reviews, with many customers noting that it had a marginal quality compared to its competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This paper presents descriptions and results of multi-scale pullout and interface shear tests on a woven polypropylene (PP) geotextile reinforcement material in a marginal quality soil.

Geotextiles and Geomembranes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

By comparing the extent of realized versus potential occurrence and abundance of the three taxa in relation to predicted habitat quality, we tested whether the distribution of M (the most recent taxon) is consistent with a process of niche expansion into a habitat of marginal quality.

BMC Ecology

Absolute expression values were log-transformed and scaled to a score between 0 and 100 using MAS 5.0 (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA, USA), and only probe sets demonstrating a present or marginal quality score in at least 50% of samples were considered for further analysis.

British Journal of Cancer

Deep SDI offers a means of utilizing marginal quality irrigation waters and managing the accumulation of their associated solutes in the crop rooting zone.

Agricultural Water Management

Within the limitations of this study, the selective bonding technique for slot inlay-retained fixed partial dentures resulted in a negligible loss of marginal quality after extensive mechanical and thermal stress.

The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry

According to the US Salinity Laboratory (1954), an RSC value less than 1.25 meq/L is safe for irrigation; a value between 1.25 and 2.5 meq/L is of marginal quality and a value more than 2.5 meq/L is unsuitable for irrigation.

Applied Water Science

Variable estimates were considered of "marginal quality" with a CV between 16.6 and 33.3% due to high sampling variability.

BMC Public Health

But what makes a population occupy habitat of marginal quality, and where does the process of niche expansion find its driving force?

BMC Ecology

While it might be a stretch to say that we are in danger of creating a vast digital wasteland, entertainment of marginal quality dominates commercial attempts on the Internet to reach a mass audience and, sad to say, the most consistently profitable sites deliver pornography.

The New York Times

A CV that is between 16.6% and 33.3% is of marginal quality and may have a high level of error.

BMC Pediatrics

Gory remakes of marginal quality are something of a specialty for German-born director Marcus Nispel, who counts the 2003 redo of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and 2009's "Friday the 13th" among his artier achievements.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a marginal quality", ensure the context clearly indicates what the quality is marginal for. Providing a specific point of reference (e.g., "a marginal quality for irrigation") improves clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a marginal quality" in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "low quality" or "not great" for everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a marginal quality" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes a characteristic of something, indicating that its quality is barely acceptable or falls just above the minimum standard. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a marginal quality" describes something that barely meets the required standards. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It's more suitable for neutral to formal contexts such as science, news, and business, where precise descriptions are necessary. While grammatically sound, simpler alternatives might be preferable in casual conversation. When using the phrase, ensure the context clarifies what the quality is marginal for, increasing the clarity and impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a low quality

Directly indicates a lower standard, emphasizing the deficiency in quality.

a substandard quality

Suggests the quality is below an expected or required level.

a deficient quality

Highlights the lack of something necessary for good quality.

an inferior quality

Indicates the quality is worse compared to something else.

a poor quality

A general term for inadequate quality.

a questionable quality

Raises doubt about the quality.

a borderline quality

Suggests the quality is on the edge of being acceptable.

an inadequate quality

Emphasizes the insufficiency of the quality.

a tolerable quality

Implies the quality is just acceptable, though not ideal.

a passable quality

Similar to tolerable, suggesting the quality is just good enough.

FAQs

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

You can use "a marginal quality" to describe something that barely meets the minimum requirements or standards. For example, "The soil was of "a marginal quality" for growing crops."

What's the difference between "a marginal quality" and "a poor quality"?

"A marginal quality" suggests something is just barely acceptable, whereas "a poor quality" indicates a more significant deficiency.

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

You can use alternatives like "substandard quality", "low quality", or "inferior quality" depending on the context.

Is "a marginal quality" formal or informal language?

"A marginal quality" is generally considered neutral to formal. Simpler terms like "not very good" are more appropriate for informal contexts.