at the periphery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the periphery" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a location or object that is situated on the edge or margin of an area or group, for example: "At the periphery of the city, there was a small park."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For decades computer effects lurked at the periphery of movies.

The New Yorker

And let people stand at the periphery and giggle nervously".

The New Yorker

First-timers sat at the periphery of the circle, avoiding eye contact with others.

The New York Times

The free-standing monolayer tends to fold up, as demonstrated using dots at the periphery lines.

Nature

VR demos at E3 were, in the main, situated at the periphery of the show floor.

The Guardian - Tech

Sitting rigid at the periphery of the wedding, like an exile—I care about that.

The New Yorker

I was very much a peon and a helper at the periphery of that writing room.

The Washington Post

Chris Kirkland, as ever, is somewhere at the periphery of an England manager's field of vision.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Welch: It's important to look at the periphery, because that's where trends start.

The New York Times

Concessions at the periphery to Lib Dems have not changed that intent.

The Guardian - Opinion

The change in plan placed him at the periphery of ground-zero of a suicide bombing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the periphery", ensure it accurately reflects the intended spatial or conceptual relationship. Consider whether a more specific term, like "outskirts" or "margins", might be more appropriate for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "at the periphery" when you actually mean something is irrelevant or unimportant. The phrase denotes location, not significance; use words like "tangential" or "peripheral" instead to indicate reduced importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the periphery" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate location or position. It specifies that something is situated on the edge, border, or outer boundary of a particular area or concept. Ludwig shows its prevalence in both scientific and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the periphery" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is located on the edge or outer boundary of an area or concept. According to Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used in scientific and news contexts to provide spatial or conceptual context, describing the position or status of an object or idea. While alternatives like "on the edge" or "in the margins" exist, "at the periphery" maintains a neutral to formal register and is valuable for precise, descriptive writing. Remember to use it accurately to denote location, and not to imply a lack of significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the edge

This alternative is more general and less formal.

at the fringes

This alternative suggests being on the edge and less central.

on the outskirts

This alternative specifically refers to the outer parts of a town or city.

in the margins

This alternative suggests a position of being outside the main focus or activity.

at the boundary

This alternative emphasizes the border or dividing line.

in the outer limits

This alternative implies being at the furthest extent or boundary.

on the border

This alternative implies a close proximity to a border.

in the perimeter

This alternative specifically indicates the outer boundary of an area.

on the rim

This alternative denotes being on the edge of a circular object or area.

in the surrounding area

This alternative indicates the region around a central point or object.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the periphery" to describe something located on the edge or outer boundary of an area. For example, "The security cameras were placed "at the periphery" of the building."

What's a synonym for "at the periphery"?

Alternatives to "at the periphery" include "on the edge", "on the outskirts", or "in the margins", depending on the context.

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

Both "at the periphery" and "on the periphery" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is "at the periphery" commonly used?

"At the periphery" is frequently used in scientific, news, and formal contexts to describe spatial arrangements, organizational structures, or the boundaries of fields of study.