a tangential consideration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tangential consideration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic that is related but not central to the main subject at hand. Example: "While the main focus of our discussion is the budget, a tangential consideration is the impact of recent market trends on our projections."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The idea of a safe ride was perhaps a tangential consideration in the car-buying process, but never persuasive enough to affect the eventual decision.

Forbes

This may make it seem that knowledge of a god is merely a bonus, a tangential consideration; on the contrary, it is the chief aim of the science.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But in the peer-reviewed literature, reference to the joint platform has been limited, and largely indirect: questions based on current GAVI and Global Fund roles and structures and the track record of WB in health systems [ 11]; explorations of GAVI's recent entry into HSS [ 12- 14] and some tangential consideration of the implications of the proposed platform for global governance [ 15].

Globalization and Health

This leads to economic dilemmas such as moral hazard, information asymmetry, and tangential considerations of cost versus quality creating obstacles on the road to delivering efficient and effective healthcare.

Springer

Yet some of the measures under consideration have, at best, a tangential relationship to the electricity shortage in California.

The New York Times

Gordin's cancer was only a tangential cause.

The New York Times

And, health care was — at best — a tangential topic.

The Washington Post

"This is not a tangential issue," Mr. Heidinger said.

The New York Times

"And it could be for a tangential reason".

The New York Times

An animation of a tangential intersection reveals its inner violence.

The New York Times

"I'm in a position where I can explore things in a tangential way.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tangential consideration" when you want to acknowledge a related but less important point without diverting focus from the main subject. This keeps the primary discussion clear and concise.

Common error

Avoid dedicating too much time or detail to "a tangential consideration", as it can dilute the core message and confuse your audience. Keep the focus on the main subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tangential consideration" functions as a noun phrase, where 'tangential' modifies 'consideration'. It indicates a point that is related but not central to the main topic, adding context without being the primary focus. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tangential consideration" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that refers to a related but not central point. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's appropriate for acknowledging secondary aspects without losing focus on the main subject. While relatively rare in occurrence, the phrase is versatile and can be used in various contexts, including news, science, and business. When writing, use it to add context without overemphasizing less critical details, and consider alternatives like "a peripheral concern" or "a minor point" for similar effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a peripheral concern

This alternative emphasizes the marginal relevance of the consideration.

a secondary factor

This alternative highlights the lower importance of the consideration in the overall context.

a minor point

This alternative stresses the insignificance of the consideration.

a side issue

This alternative suggests that the consideration is a separate, less important matter.

a related aside

This alternative denotes a digression that is still connected to the main topic.

an ancillary aspect

This alternative focuses on the supporting or auxiliary nature of the consideration.

a supplementary thought

This alternative underlines that the thought is not necessary but adds value to current reflection.

a passing remark

This alternative refers to a superficial comment about something related.

a non-essential element

This alternative emphasizes that the element is not an essential part of something

an incidental detail

This alternative highlights that the item is of minor importance in the whole

FAQs

What does "a tangential consideration" mean?

It refers to a point or issue that is related to the main topic but is not central or essential to it. It's something that is touched upon briefly but not explored in depth.

How can I use "a tangential consideration" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce a related idea that you don't want to dwell on. For example, "While the main focus is on cost savings, "a tangential consideration" is the environmental impact."

What are some alternatives to "a tangential consideration"?

Alternatives include "a peripheral concern", "a minor point", or "a side issue". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of relevance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to include "a tangential consideration" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate as long as the tangential point is genuinely relevant, even if not crucial. It can show a comprehensive understanding of the topic without losing focus on the primary argument.