marginal elements

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "marginal elements" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to components or factors that are not central or significant in a particular context, often implying they are on the periphery of importance. Example: "In the analysis of the report, we found that the marginal elements did not significantly impact the overall findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

They were serious about pandering to the marginal elements of their party.

The New York Times

Four artists draw on marginal elements of film to make semiabstract paintings, works on paper and sculpture.

The New York Times - Arts

(Think of fiber optics, threading its way through the telecom system). This change is already under way in marginal elements of the power grid.

MIT Technology Review

Leased territories are widely viewed as marginal elements in the world's system of nations, but they broaden the options for countries in their dealings with each other.

The New York Times

However, the structure within each unit is orbital, comprising nuclear and marginal elements, with variable sequencing.

Functional Linguistics

For his part, Nkurunziza insists the violence is the work of a handful marginal elements — a view that few would merit.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Words were a marginal element of this engrossing 35-minute performance, which was closer to a theatrical happening than to a song recital.

The New York Times - Arts

With these reduced forces constituting the fleet that would serve out the last two decades of the Cold War, it was to oversee a navy that actively exercised with its alliance partners but as an increasingly marginal element, even within its anti-submarine specialty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To be sure, they were principally concerned with the dissenting Old Believers, but they also took into consideration the church itself.3 Although that research slowly expanded in the 1980s, even before perestroika, it remained a marginal element when compared with the massive research on other problems.

Johns Hopkins University

In the marginal (optional) elements, learners may be prepared to succeed with the Task, and the knowledge acquired/construed in the Task may then be elaborated.

Functional Linguistics

If all you hear, read and see about an entire nation, religion, people and society are the marginal, disturbing elements of them in the spirit of sensationalism, you inevitably develop inaccurate and misleading images and information about the people around you.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "marginal elements", ensure the context clearly establishes the relative importance of the elements being described. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the intended emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "marginal elements" to describe something that has a significant impact. Misusing the phrase can undermine your credibility and misrepresent the actual importance of those elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "marginal elements" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a sentence or preposition. It identifies components or aspects that are considered less important or central to a particular subject or context, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Science & Research

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "marginal elements" is a noun phrase used to describe components or aspects that are considered secondary or less significant in a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used across diverse fields, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While its frequency is common, it's important to consider alternatives like "peripheral components" or "secondary factors" depending on the specific context. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in establishing the relative importance of the elements to prevent misinterpretation and maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peripheral components

Focuses on the spatial aspect of being on the edge or boundary.

secondary factors

Highlights the lower level of importance or influence.

minor constituents

Emphasizes the small contribution to the whole.

less significant aspects

Directly indicates a reduced level of importance.

non-essential parts

Indicates a lack of necessity or indispensability.

fringe elements

Suggests being outside the mainstream or core.

ancillary components

Implies a supporting or supplementary role.

subsidiary factors

Highlights the dependent or subordinate nature.

outer aspects

Focuses on the exterior or less central features.

tangential aspects

Highlights a slight or indirect connection.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "marginal elements" in a sentence?

Use "marginal elements" to describe components that have a secondary or less critical role in a larger system or concept. For instance, "In the business plan, the marketing budget was considered one of the "marginal elements" compared to production costs".

What phrases are similar to "marginal elements"?

Alternatives include "peripheral components", "secondary factors", or "minor constituents". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "marginal elements" in formal writing?

Yes, "marginal elements" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and precise term that is often used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts to describe less significant aspects or components.

What's the difference between "marginal elements" and "core components"?

"Marginal elements" refers to aspects that are secondary or peripheral, while "core components" are those that are essential and central to a system or process. Use "marginal elements" when you want to downplay the importance of certain factors, and "core components" when you want to highlight the crucial parts.