at the periphery of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the periphery of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is on the edge or outskirts of a particular area, concept, or situation. Example: "The research focuses on issues that are often at the periphery of mainstream scientific discourse."

✓ 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

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

The New York Times

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

Since then he has been an enigmatic figure at the periphery of the profession.

The New York Times - Arts

It was merely a chamber at the periphery of the underground nest.

The New Yorker

Human cytomegalovirus UL44 concentrates at the periphery of replication compartments, the site of viral DNA synthesis.

Harvard University

It relies on passive diffusion from arteries at the periphery of the disk for nutrition.

PM&R

After 7 d of culture, chondrocytes were mainly located at the periphery of the matrices.

Biomaterials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the periphery of" to describe something that is not central but still connected to a main subject or area. It indicates a position on the edge or outskirts, suggesting a degree of separation but not complete isolation.

Common error

Avoid using "at the periphery of" when you mean something is entirely separate or unrelated. This phrase implies a connection, albeit a distant one, to the central element.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the periphery of" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate a location or position on the edge or boundary of something. As Ludwig AI suggests, this is a grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the periphery of" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe something located on the edge or outskirts of an area, concept, or situation. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its usage is well-established. It is frequently found in scientific and news-related contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure you are accurately conveying the intended level of connection and separation from the central element. Alternatives like "on the edge of" or "on the fringes of" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the edge of

This alternative is more general and can refer to both physical and abstract boundaries.

on the outskirts of

This alternative specifically implies a location at the outer limits of a defined area.

on the fringes of

This alternative suggests a position that is less central or mainstream, often implying marginalization.

around the border of

This option highlights the concept of encircling something, emphasizing the boundary.

in the margins of

This alternative suggests that something is not the main focus, but rather exists in the less important areas.

at the boundary of

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the line that separates two regions.

surrounding

This alternative focuses on the action of encircling, rather than the position itself.

bordering

This term describes something that shares a border or edge with something else.

at the limit of

This alternative emphasizes the outermost extent or boundary of something.

in the vicinity of

This alternative indicates a general proximity, rather than a specific position at the edge.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the periphery of" to describe something that's on the edge or outskirts of a particular area, concept, or situation. For instance: "The research focuses on issues that are often "at the periphery of" mainstream scientific discourse."

What are some alternatives to "at the periphery of"?

You can use alternatives like "on the edge of", "on the outskirts of", or "on the fringes of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "in the periphery" might be understood, "at the periphery of" is the more standard and grammatically accepted phrasing when referring to something located on the edge or boundary.

What's the difference between "at the periphery of" and "at the center of"?

"At the periphery of" indicates a location on the edge or outskirts, while "at the center of" implies being in the most important or central position. They are antonyms, representing opposite locations or levels of importance.