a marginal variation

USAGE SUMMARY

"a marginal variation" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a small or insignificant change or difference between two objects, ideas, or conditions. For example, "The results of the experiment showed only a marginal variation in the size of the particles."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

This shift can easily be attributed to a marginal variation in dot sizes.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Experimental results are similar to the KCl system with a marginal variation of fluid loss at optimum concentration.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

There was a decrease in P content from 13 to 10 wt.% with a marginal variation in the incorporated W (1.01 wt.%) due to the codeposition of aluminum oxide particles in NiWP matrix.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Moreover, the devices containing Zeolite molecular sieve show remarkable enhancement of the thermal stability at 60 °C for a period of 1200 hours under dark condition with a marginal variation of performance.

Electrochimica Acta

Furthermore, it is a point worthy of mention that with a marginal variation in MOS-LQO, a low level of search complexity signifies a superior system performance, e.g., the proposed method at N = 2 and N = 3.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Results were consistent in detection of the trend of up- or down-regulated expressions for both assays, except for only one gene showing a marginal variation (Fig.  2).

Biotechnology for Biofuels

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Step precision winding produces a yarn package that is free from ribbon formation and marginal variation in coil angle.

Fashion and Textiles

They were adept at making stone tools, though they seem to have spent tens of thousands of years making the same tools over and over, with only marginal variation.

The New Yorker

Hence, there is marginal variation in the outlet temperature and power output for all the three materials.

Geothermal Energy

TEM analysis reports the presence of biosynthesized CuNPs and ZnONPs from E. faecalis with core shell morphology of size 12 90 nm and spherical in shape for CuNPs and ZnONPs ranging from 16 to 96 nm with marginal variation and aggregate form (shown in Fig. 1).

Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry

Further, it may be noted that integrated operation led to the marginal variation (1 to 5 % not shown) of the performances of Tilayia,Konar and Tenughat reservoirs for all policies in spite of keeping them outside the purview of any modification.

Applied Water Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a marginal variation", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared. Specify the parameters or aspects where the variation occurs to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a marginal variation" when the difference is actually substantial. Misusing the phrase can mislead readers and undermine the accuracy of your description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a marginal variation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the extent of the change or difference being discussed. As Ludwig AI underlines, is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a marginal variation" is a noun phrase used to describe a small or insignificant difference or change. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is perfectly correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts and its intended purpose is to downplay the importance of a particular change. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what is being compared and avoid using it when the difference is actually substantial. Related phrases include "a slight difference" and "a minor modification".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight difference

Focuses on the small degree of difference.

a minor modification

Emphasizes the act of changing something slightly.

a negligible change

Highlights that the change is so small it's almost not worth considering.

a trivial alteration

Suggests the change is unimportant or insignificant.

a minimal deviation

Implies a slight departure from a standard or norm.

a small adjustment

Focuses on the act of making something slightly better or more accurate.

a modest fluctuation

Highlights a slight and irregular change in number or amount.

a limited shift

Emphasizes the constrained nature of the change.

a hairline distinction

Emphasizes how subtle and difficult to perceive the variation is.

a faint difference

Stresses the lack of clarity of the distinction.

FAQs

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

Use "a marginal variation" to describe a small or insignificant difference between two things. For example, "The study showed "a marginal variation" in test scores between the two groups".

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

"A marginal variation" implies a small, often unimportant difference, while "a significant difference" indicates a notable and meaningful distinction.

Which is correct: "a marginal variation" or "a marginal difference"?

Both "a marginal variation" and "a marginal difference" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Variation" implies a change or fluctuation, while "difference" simply indicates a dissimilarity.

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

You can use alternatives like "a slight difference", "a minor modification", or "a negligible change" depending on the context.