along the periphery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "along the periphery" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is situated at the edge or outer boundary of a particular area or context. Example: "The park is located along the periphery of the city, providing a peaceful retreat from the urban hustle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Simple huts stood here and there along the periphery.

The New Yorker

Where most cities develop mountains in landfills along the periphery, Curitiba recycles 70% of its garbage.

The Guardian

Heidi and I found an unoccupied table along the periphery, which was isolated and dark.

The New Yorker

So will we see better ads along the periphery of our screens?

The New Yorker

The apparent source of the virus was domestic dogs living along the periphery of the park.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All along the periphery of the restaurant are gigantic fluted columns, in the manner of a Roman temple.

The New York Times - Food

The campus has been redesigned so cars travel along the periphery, leaving the center as a pedestrian space.

The New York Times

This 171-room hotel also has a terrific location, on a busy, modern block along the periphery of the old city and near dozens of stores.

The New York Times - Travel

As the movie drifts along the periphery of the supernatural, I went into a trance, which Almodóvar induces with a master's confidence.

The Guardian - Film

Each office along the periphery has frosted glass partitions separating it from the corridor to maximize natural light flowing into the core.

The New York Times

For much of the last two decades -- even as Northern and Western cities enjoyed urban recoveries -- virtually all growth in the old Confederacy took place along the periphery.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "along the periphery" to precisely describe locations or arrangements at the edge of an area, ensuring clarity in technical or descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "along the periphery" when you simply mean "near" or "around". The phrase specifically implies a position at the edge or outer boundary, not just general proximity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "along the periphery" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying nouns or clauses to specify a location or arrangement at the outer boundary or edge of something. Ludwig AI indicates it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

34%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "along the periphery" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that denotes a location or arrangement at the edge or outer boundary of something. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct. It is most commonly found in scientific and news media contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. While synonyms like "at the edge" or "on the outskirts" exist, they may not always capture the precise meaning of a distribution or arrangement around the outer boundary. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intended spatial relationship to avoid misrepresenting proximity or general location. As the analysis shows, the phrase is indeed well-established and versatile across multiple domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the edge

This alternative is more general and lacks the specific implication of being arranged or distributed around something.

on the outskirts

This alternative specifically refers to the outer parts of a town or city, limiting its applicability.

at the boundary

This phrase emphasizes the border or limit of something, rather than the area surrounding it.

around the border

This option highlights the positioning around a border, but it may not always imply a complete or continuous arrangement.

surrounding area

This is a broader term referring to the area around something, without necessarily being at the very edge.

at the outer limits

This phrase suggests the furthest extent of something, rather than a position along its edge.

on the fringe

This alternative emphasizes a less central or important position, which might not always be intended.

bordering region

This phrase describes a region adjacent to a border, not necessarily the edge itself.

in the vicinity

This phrase indicates being near or close to something, but not necessarily on its edge.

in the environs

This is a formal way of saying "in the surrounding area", lacking the precision of being on the edge.

FAQs

How can I use "along the periphery" in a sentence?

You can use "along the periphery" to describe locations or arrangements at the edge or outer boundary of something. For example, "Guard towers were constructed along the periphery of the prison."

What's a simpler way to say "along the periphery"?

Simpler alternatives include "at the edge", "on the outskirts", or "around the border", depending on the specific context you're describing.

Is it correct to say "on the periphery" instead of "along the periphery"?

"On the periphery" generally refers to something being of secondary importance. "Along the periphery" specifically describes a location or distribution. It is important to consider if you are referring to the location or the importance of a thing. In cases where you are referring to a location you may use "at the edge".

When should I use "along the periphery" versus "in the center"?

"Along the periphery" describes something at the outer boundary, while "in the center" describes something in the middle. Use these phrases to clearly contrast locations within a defined area. For example, alpha cells were distributed "along the periphery" of the islets, while beta cells were located centrally.