at a marginal level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a marginal level" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is occurring or being considered at a minimal or insignificant degree. Example: "The changes in the policy will only affect the budget at a marginal level, so we do not anticipate any major disruptions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Construction and Building Materials

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Plosone

Aging Cell

BMC Medical Education

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

BMC Genomics

BMC Psychiatry

Alzheimer's Research and Therapy

Genome Medicine

BioMed Research International

Science Magazine

Genetics

BMC Medical Education

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Global Health Action

Forbes

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Optics Communications

Nature

BBC

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery

Duke University

Plosone

Genome Medicine

The New York Times - Sports

Plosone

Environmental Health Perspectives

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

European Parliament

Plosone

WikiHow

Thin-Walled Structures

Plosone

Field Crops Research

International Aquatic Research

Wikipedia

Plosone

The New Yorker

BMC Oral Health

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Social Science & Medicine

Clinical Oral Implants Research

BMC Genomics

Nature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Results show that under various loading levels, the stresses and deflections in the VGU of this novel glazing system always remain at a marginal level, and hence the likelihood of breakage for VGUs can be reduced significantly.

Construction and Building Materials

However, the returns still continue to be at a marginal level (Scott and Bruce 1987).

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

In the full statistical model, the Yellow morph decreased slightly in frequency over time, but only at a marginal level of significance (P = 0.036, Table 2).

Plosone

They are present at a marginal level (< 1%) in corneal stroma.

Aging Cell

Both graduates and experts agreed that competency in the management of human resources and health care facilities were at a marginal level and needs further improvement.

BMC Medical Education

Expression of Ulk1 and Cebpb correlated significantly positively with cartilage healing, but at a marginal level of significance with ear wound healing.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

By qPCR, AD cases showed reduced PLD3 mRNA levels, when compared with the levels in non-AD cases at a marginal significance level (P =0.0499).

Alzheimer's Research and Therapy

A cluster containing various sugar molecules, MC1, displayed a similar pattern to those of MC3 and MC5, but at a marginal significance level.

Genome Medicine

Additionally, the RD values of the right UF were different between the CD male and CD female groups at a marginal significance level (P = 0.080).

BioMed Research International

The MD values of the right UF were different between the CD male and healthy control male groups at a marginal significance level (P = 0.052).

BioMed Research International

TMT-A was associated with five GMD independent components, among which IC2 (right precentral areas) was increased in twin pairs discordant for schizophrenia compared to controls, and IC5 (superior temporal gyri) was decreased at a marginal significance level.

Genome Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at a marginal level", ensure the context clearly indicates that the impact or occurrence is small and not significant. This is especially relevant in scientific or business writing where precision is key.

Common error

Avoid using "at a marginal level" when the effect is actually significant. This can mislead your audience and undermine the credibility of your analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a marginal level" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the degree or extent to which an action or condition is present. Ludwig shows that it is commonly used to qualify the impact or significance of something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a marginal level" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe situations where an effect or impact is minimal or insignificant. According to Ludwig, it's particularly common in scientific, academic, and formal writing contexts where precise language is crucial. While "at a marginal level" is suitable for these contexts, you should consider if more direct alternatives such as "to a negligible extent" or "on a small scale" could be clearer. Avoiding overstatement is key to maintaining credibility and avoiding misleading your audience. Remember that the term suggests a minor influence, contrasting sharply with "at a significant level".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to a negligible extent

Focuses on the insignificance of the impact or degree.

at a minimal extent

Highlights the very small amount or degree.

on a small scale

Emphasizes the limited size or scope.

at a peripheral degree

Suggests the matter is not central or important.

to a modest degree

Implies a moderate and limited impact.

at a minor degree

Stresses the relatively small importance.

to a limited degree

Underlines the restricted nature of the influence or occurrence.

at a slight level

Indicates a small quantity or intensity.

to a fractional extent

Conveys a very small or divided portion.

at a low ebb

Suggests a condition that is weak or reduced.

FAQs

How can I use "at a marginal level" in a sentence?

Use "at a marginal level" to describe situations where something has a minimal or insignificant impact. For example, "The new policy affected employee morale "at a marginal level"".

What are some alternatives to "at a marginal level"?

Alternatives include "to a negligible extent", "at a minimal extent", or "on a small scale". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Yes, "at a marginal level" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific, academic, or business contexts where precise descriptions are necessary. However, consider whether a more direct synonym might be clearer.

What is the difference between "at a marginal level" and "at a significant level"?

"At a marginal level" indicates a very small or unimportant effect, while "at a significant level" implies a noteworthy or substantial effect. They are essentially opposites.