marginal topics

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "marginal topics" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to subjects or issues that are considered to be of lesser importance or relevance in a particular context. Example: "In our discussion, we will focus on the main issues, leaving the marginal topics for a later time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

One cannot spend time in any of the other developed democracies without being struck by the damage the Administration's wise-guy unilateralism has done, not only on the issue of Iraq but also on strategically marginal topics like the Kyoto environmental agreement, family planning, and the International Criminal Court.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

(It's unclear what exactly attracted Kleitman to this academically marginal topic, but it has been suggested that it fitted with his own marginalized background).

The New Yorker

"Baseball in Japan is a marginal topic in the United States," Fitts said, "so you know going in that this isn't about the money.

The New York Times - Sports

As an interviewee from Cologne in western Germany stated, existing structures and routines are interpreted as being unfavorable and challenging for innovative technologies: "When we thought for the first time about installing a GSHP in 2002, it was really a marginal topic.

Geothermal Energy

For a long time, many people saw European integration as a 'technical abstraction', and it was regarded as a very marginal topic in the national political debate.

EU Parlament

Moral conflicts of clinicians and nurses lead to the fact that VSED remains a marginal topic in the field of palliative care [ 18- 20].

BMC Palliative Care

Despite the high prevalence and public health burden of pain, pain education is viewed as a marginal topic and non-essential part of undergraduate medical teaching across Europe.

BMJ Open

This demonstrates that whilst revision for infection might appear to be a marginal topic in the literature, it is a significant problem for practicing surgeons.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Locked in a gloves-off campaign that is intensified by New York's media glare and its ethnic and religious mix, Mr. Lazio and Mrs. Clinton have sought advantage by calling attention to marginal but incendiary topics, like his 1998 handshake with Yasir Arafat, the Palestinian leader, and her kiss of Mr. Arafat's wife, Suha, last year.

The New York Times

The routine requirement to offer participants only qualified or partial confidentiality effectively undermines the basis on which much research involving deviant or marginal populations and sensitive topics may be successfully undertaken.

BMC Medical Ethics

Moreover, no conclusive data regarding this topic in marginal livers has been published.

Cell Death and Disease

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic or formal writing, consider using more precise synonyms like "peripheral issues" or "secondary matters" for added clarity and sophistication.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the unimportance of "marginal topics". While they are less central, they may still hold some relevance or impact, and overstating their insignificance can undermine your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "marginal topics" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "marginal" modifies the noun "topics". This construction is used to identify subjects or issues that are considered of secondary importance. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "marginal topics" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote subjects of lesser importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in both scientific and news contexts, though with a neutral register, making it suitable for a variety of writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure the context makes clear the relative unimportance of these topics. Consider using alternatives such as "peripheral issues" or "secondary matters" for greater precision in formal settings. Be mindful not to overstate the insignificance of these topics, as they may still hold some relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Minor subjects

This alternative uses "minor" to emphasize the reduced importance of the subjects.

Peripheral issues

Using "peripheral" highlights that the issues are on the edge or outside of the main focus.

Secondary matters

This emphasizes that the matters are not primary or of utmost importance.

Less important subjects

This directly states the reduced importance of the subjects.

Tangential issues

Focuses on the indirect relevance or connection of the issues.

Subsidiary topics

Highlights the supporting or dependent nature of the topics.

Insignificant themes

Emphasizes the lack of significance of the themes.

Lower-priority issues

Specifies that the issues are ranked lower in importance.

Matters of lesser importance

This alternative phrase rewords "marginal topics" and keeps the same concept.

Non-essential subjects

Highlights that the subjects are not absolutely necessary or crucial.

FAQs

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

You can use "marginal topics" to refer to subjects that are less important or central to a discussion. For example: "The main presentation will focus on core strategies, with "marginal topics" addressed in the appendix."

What are some alternatives to "marginal topics"?

Alternatives include "peripheral issues", "secondary matters", or "less important subjects". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "marginal topics" formal or informal?

"Marginal topics" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more precise synonyms might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

How do I determine if a topic is truly "marginal"?

Assess the topic's relevance and impact on the main subject. If it has minimal influence or is only indirectly related, it can be considered a "marginal topic".