at its periphery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at its periphery" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is located on the outer edge or boundary of a particular area or concept. Example: "The research focused on the effects of climate change at its periphery, examining how it impacts rural communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The lack of a co-ordinated fiscal policy, and the loss of competitiveness (and banking troubles) at its periphery, help explain why it has tipped into recession, says Laurence Boone of Bank of America.

The Economist

This is an issue that has importance that reaches well beyond Georgia's borders, and it goes to Europe's credibility at its periphery.

Huffington Post

Interestingly, the neuron with the pale body displaying the most intense immunostaining for Elk-1 (Figure 2I) appears to be at a later stage of inclusion development, in that it contains multiple early Lewy bodies at its periphery (dashed ellipses, Figure 2H).

Plosone

No matter how many billions of euros are invested in building Fortress Europe, it won't change the fact that instability and conflicts at its periphery will continue to force people to seek refuge.

Vice

The custodians entered this new Capitol world, but only at its periphery.

The New York Times

His latest novel may have a middle-class, middle-aged African-Caribbean woman at its centre, but those same disaffected teenagers hover at its periphery.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

She later returned to the conventional piano, and to the standard repertory (or at least its periphery) with Janacek's "On an Overgrown Path," Book 1.

The New York Times - Arts

It will almost certainly be joined in the next decade or two by China, whose need for energy and food will turn its foreign-policy eyes, now directed mainly at its Pacific periphery, westward to central Asia and maybe northward to Russia as well.

The Economist

Treatment of an acute attack is similar to that of chronic glaucoma, but permanent elimination of the high pressure requires surgery; i.e., an opening is cut through the iris at its outer periphery to allow passage of the aqueous humour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The bovine cornea was 1021 ± 5.42 μm thick at its outer periphery, defined as 9 12 mm from the corneal centre, compared to 844 ± 8.10 μm at the centre.

Matrix Biology

E2152 is characterized by a simple gram negative bacterial cell wall that does not exhibit any biopolymers or external structures at its outer periphery [43].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at its periphery", ensure the context clearly defines what "it" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the phrase's meaning is clear.

Common error

Avoid using "at its periphery" when you actually mean "in its center" or "at its core". The phrase specifically denotes the outer edges or boundaries, not the central area.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its periphery" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or verb to indicate a location on the outer edge or boundary of something. As noted by Ludwig, it is widely used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at its periphery" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to denote a location on the outer edge or boundary of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used across diverse contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and encyclopedic writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what "it" refers to and avoid confusing it with terms denoting centrality. Consider alternatives like "on its outer edge" or "at the edge of it" for nuanced expression. Its frequent use in authoritative sources like The Economist and The New York Times underscores its reliability and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on its outer edge

This phrase emphasizes the external boundary, slightly more descriptive than the original.

at its outer limits

This phrase highlights the maximum extent or boundary, implying a limit.

on its boundary

This phrase directly denotes the dividing line or border of something.

at the edge of it

More informal and general, indicating a location close to the border.

on the fringes of it

This suggests being on the less important or marginal part of something.

in its outer reaches

Implies remoteness or distance from the center.

at the border of it

Similar to "on its boundary" but more commonly used in a geographical sense.

in its vicinity

Indicates the area surrounding something, rather than specifically the edge.

around its perimeter

Focuses on the measurement around the outside edge.

near its circumference

More precise and mathematical, referring to the distance around a circle.

FAQs

How can I use "at its periphery" in a sentence?

The phrase "at its periphery" describes something located on the outer boundary or edge of something else. For instance, "Instability "at its periphery" will continue to force people to seek refuge."

What are some alternatives to "at its periphery"?

You can use alternatives like "on its outer edge", "on its boundary", or "at the edge of it", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "at its periphery" and "in its center"?

"At its periphery" refers to the outer edges or boundaries of something, while "in its center" refers to the middle or core. They are opposite in meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "at its periphery" instead of "on its surface"?

"At its periphery" is best when referring to the outer boundary or edge of something. "On its surface" is used when discussing something located on the external layer or visible face of something. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the boundary versus the surface.