marginal position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'marginal position' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a position that is on the edge or side of something, or on the borderline between two different groups or areas. For example, "The new company occupies a marginal position in the industry, sitting between the larger competitors and the smaller start-up firms."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

The segments were identified for ovary (left or right), side of the ovary (lateral or medial), interpolar position (indicating progression from the cranial toward the caudal pole on each surface) and marginal position (identifying the position of observation relative to the mesovarial or free margin).

BMC Veterinary Research

This is no longer a marginal position.

The New Yorker

His marginal position allowed him, Shestov said, "to ask more daring questions".

The Guardian - Books

Based on their present performance, Arabs would remain in a marginal position in this next phase of human history.

The New York Times

In the later Middle Ages Durham's marginal position between Scotland and England made it susceptible to invasions and rebellions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These groups, however, at the end of the 20th century, were again relegated to an economically and politically marginal position.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

"Feelings of despair, conflict between loyalty to Israel and concern over policies of the government are mainstream, not marginal, positions".

The Guardian

Apprentices in marginal positions at workplaces also experience little work autonomy.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

In contrast to the traditional morphostratigraphical definition of ice marginal positions, a time based definition is proposed, because it offers the possibility of a more detailed reconstruction of ice sheet dynamics at a certain point in time.

Quaternary Science Reviews

The existence of differing entrepreneurial ability means that there are marginal positions at every level of c, and these are the positions (filled or vacant) that disappear when a recession lowers x.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

With the development of numerical dating methods the rather static, morphostratigraphically based chronologies which are deeply rooted in research history, have been confronted with a growing number of geochronometrical data obtained from glacigenic deposits in order to date ice marginal positions.

Quaternary Science Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "marginal position", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being marginalized. This adds clarity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming "marginal position" always implies negative connotations. It can simply indicate being on the periphery, which isn't inherently bad. Context is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "marginal position" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies a state of being on the periphery, as shown in Ludwig's examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "marginal position" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe something or someone situated on the periphery or outside of a central group. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedic sources. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clarifies what's being marginalized to maintain clarity and precision. While not inherently negative, "marginal position" is most appropriate for neutral to formal registers. It’s important to use it carefully, understanding the nuance that position is not always bad but depends on context. Remember to avoid assuming negative connotations and consider its descriptive power in analytical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peripheral role

Focuses on the role being on the outside, rather than the position itself.

secondary status

Emphasizes a lower level of importance or rank.

minor importance

Highlights the lack of significance.

tenuous foothold

Suggests an unstable or insecure position.

precarious standing

Implies a risk of losing the current position.

insignificant place

Highlights the absence of importance of a place.

outside the mainstream

Focuses on the concept of not being part of the central group.

on the fringes

Emphasizes being on the outer edges or borders.

in a disadvantaged spot

Focuses on how the position is unfavorable.

awkward place

The change is about an uncomfortable position.

FAQs

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

You can use "marginal position" to describe something or someone that is on the edge or outside of the main group. For example, "The small business occupies a "marginal position" in the market."

What are some alternatives to "marginal position"?

Alternatives include "peripheral role", "secondary status", or "minor importance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to be in a "marginal position"?

No, being in a "marginal position" isn't always negative. It simply means being on the edge or outside of the main group, which can sometimes offer unique perspectives or opportunities. Context is essential.

What is the difference between "marginal position" and "central role"?

"Marginal position" refers to being on the edge or outside, while "central role" indicates being at the core or in the main part of something. They are opposite in meaning.