in a peripheral way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a peripheral way" is a correct usage of English.
It is often used to describe an activity or concept that is only indirectly related to a larger concept. For example, "My presence at the meeting was only in a peripheral way; I didn't really contribute to the discussion".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In the book, Peterson treated the exchange of wives in a peripheral way and complained about how the story was handled in the news media.

The New York Times - Sports

But Siyu seemed to know his mother only in a peripheral way, as a pupil, and Hanfeng wondered if this was why his mother had allowed the younger woman to remain a friend.

The New Yorker

Boston is different, though even here there is pressure to keep on the move, which in a peripheral way the Gardner is doing: a new wing, designed by Renzo Piano, is under way.

The New York Times - Arts

But can a high-school student demonstration, no matter how large or widespread, be regarded, even in a peripheral way, as a manifestation of a greater national revolution?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We are part of that ecosystem, maybe, but in a very peripheral way".  .

BBC

And it communicates something, but sort of in a peripheral, ambient way, if that makes sense.

Vice

TH: I think that it's in [there] a very peripheral way but it's somebody else's history.

Huffington Post

"I walked in here one day to meet Hans and Ivan thinking that I might get involved in some peripheral way, helping them to raise money or something, but when they asked what I wanted to do I found myself saying I want to teach here.' I couldn't believe it but I knew that it felt right".

Forbes

In peripheral ways.

The Guardian

"We want to be involved with Mars in more than peripheral ways".

Science Magazine

I believed that the problem we were facing wasn't a return to the Soviet Union, but rather the fact that Russia was once again finding its place in the capitalist world system, adapting, in its semi-peripheral way, the main tendencies of that system.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a peripheral way" to accurately convey that something is not a central or direct part of the main focus. This can add nuance and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in a peripheral way" when a simpler, more direct adverb like "indirectly" or "tangentially" would suffice. Overusing complex phrases can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a peripheral way" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state exists. It indicates an indirect or non-essential relationship. Ludwig confirms that it’s a correct English usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a peripheral way" offers a precise way to describe something that is not directly or centrally involved. Ludwig examples show its use in News & Media and Science contexts. Although grammatically correct and useful, it's important to consider whether a simpler term like "indirectly" might be more appropriate for clarity. Remember, while precision is valuable, conciseness often enhances communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is a correct usage of English and can effectively convey a nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tangentially related

Highlights the slight or indirect connection.

on the periphery

Uses a spatial metaphor to describe the indirect involvement.

indirectly involved

Focuses on the level of engagement rather than the method.

at the edge of

Similar to "on the periphery", indicating a non-central position.

marginally connected

Emphasizes the small degree of connection.

in a roundabout way

Highlights the indirectness of the method or connection.

incidentally associated

Stresses the accidental or unintentional nature of the connection.

secondarily

More concise and direct, indicating a secondary role.

remotely linked

Highlights the distance or separation in the connection.

in a subsidiary manner

Formal and emphasizes the subordinate role.

FAQs

What does "in a peripheral way" mean?

The phrase "in a peripheral way" means something is related or involved only to a minor or indirect extent. It suggests a non-central or secondary connection.

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

You might say, "My role in the project was only in a peripheral way; I wasn't involved in the core decision-making process."

What can I say instead of "in a peripheral way"?

Alternatives include "indirectly involved", "tangentially related", or "marginally connected", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "in a peripheral way" or a simpler term like "indirectly"?

While "in a peripheral way" is correct, simpler terms like "indirectly" or "tangentially" might be more appropriate for clarity and conciseness. Choose the option that best fits the tone and audience of your writing.