in a marginal way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a marginal way" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is done or considered to a small or insignificant extent. Example: "The changes made to the policy affected the employees in a marginal way, leaving most of their benefits intact."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"He's afraid something might be won in a marginal way.

The Guardian

First in a marginal way, then as a total assault, the process destroyed libraries and learning, while further enriching those of the gentry who acquired the assets.

The Guardian

The substitution from one genre, article, to the other, tweets and the like, can only be done in a marginal way.

The Guardian - Tech

There is also a sharp disagreement about what the region's approach should be, particularly whether governments should focus on adapting to an inevitable future, or on efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and thus to try to change that future, if only in a marginal way.

The New York Times

In existing measures, the elements of political participation and functioning of government are taken into account only in a marginal way.The Economist Intelligence Unit's Democracy index is based on five categories: electoral process and pluralism; civil liberties; the functioning of government; political participation; and political culture.

The Economist

It is important to mention that the degree of competition in the dairy market has been mentioned in the value chain analyses, but only in a marginal way.

Agricultural and Food Economics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"The reason for this is that our costs are escalating in such a marginal way, everything from marketing to promoting to signing bands.

The New York Times - Arts

The solar business is still seen in kind of a marginal way in most places.

The New York Times

"The only thing they do is to confront the consequences but not the causes, and they do so in a very marginal way," said Francisco Rivas, director of the Observatorio Nacional Ciudadano, a group that studies security and justice issues in Mexico.

The New York Times

This is the funniest and most touching piece in the book, but for all its wit and self‐knowl edge it shows Krim entering History in only a very marginal way, as the merest anti‐Mailer.

The New York Times

But however worthy the concerts, it does so in a kind of marginal way, pecking around the edges of whatever scene now exists.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a marginal way", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being affected and the minimal extent of that impact. This phrase is best suited for situations where precise qualifications of influence are necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "in a marginal way" when describing significant effects. This phrase should only be applied when the impact is genuinely small; otherwise, it undermines the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a marginal way" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the extent or degree to which an action or situation occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverbial phrase "in a marginal way" is used to describe something that has a slight or insignificant effect. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as in scientific writing. The phrase is considered uncommon but appropriate for formal communication where precise qualifications are necessary. Related phrases include "to a limited extent" and "slightly". When using "in a marginal way", it is important to ensure the context clearly establishes the limited impact, and to avoid overstating the significance of the effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To a limited extent

This alternative focuses on the restriction or boundary of the effect.

Slightly

This is a more direct and concise adverb conveying a small degree.

To a small degree

Similar to "to a limited extent", but uses 'degree' to emphasize the scale.

Minimally

Highlights the minimal impact or involvement.

Barely

Emphasizes how close something is to not occurring or being present.

Hardly

Similar to "barely", indicating a very small amount or degree.

Peripherally

Suggests an involvement that is not central or essential.

In a minor manner

Focuses on the insignificance of the way something is done.

Somewhat

Indicates a moderate degree, less specific than "in a marginal way".

Scarcely

Emphasizes the rarity or infrequency of the effect.

FAQs

How can I use "in a marginal way" in a sentence?

Use "in a marginal way" to describe an action or effect that is small or insignificant. For example: "The new regulations affected the company's profits "in a marginal way"."

What are some alternatives to "in a marginal way"?

You can use alternatives such as "to a limited extent", "slightly", or "minimally" to convey a similar meaning.

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

Yes, "in a marginal way" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to describe an effect or impact that is small or insignificant. It is often used in academic or professional contexts where precision is important.

What's the difference between "in a marginal way" and "in a significant way"?

"In a marginal way" describes a small or unimportant effect, while "in a significant way" describes a large or important effect. The choice between the two depends on the actual impact you want to convey.