on the fringe

USAGE SUMMARY

'on the fringe' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is outside of the mainstream or on the margin of society. For example: "The thoughts of the professor were considered too radical, and were pushed to the fringe of accepted mainstream philosophy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Don’t look for a house on the fringe when you can find one in town.

Forbes

This, again, is where one cannot reassure oneself that Bundy is simply on the fringe.

The New Yorker

These aren't people on the fringe.

The New Yorker

He placed the bottle on the fringe.

The New York Times - Sports

"These are people on the fringe.

The New York Times

This was the equivalent on the fringe.

The Guardian

Cristina's ball creates a pitch mark on the fringe and comes to rest on the fringe.

The New York Times

His fringe views have not remained on the fringe.

The New York Times

These are the tactics of thugs on the fringe.

The Economist

José Francisco Torres is on the fringe of his squad.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We're on the fringe right now.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the fringe" to accurately describe elements that exist outside the central focus, whether in a physical, social, or conceptual context. This phrase is useful for portraying the unconventional, marginal, or less influential aspects of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "on the fringe" when you actually mean "on the brink". "On the fringe" refers to something marginal or peripheral, whereas "on the brink" indicates something is close to happening or on the verge of a significant change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the fringe" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying nouns or verbs to indicate a state of being marginal, peripheral, or outside the mainstream. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from describing political views to geographic locations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on the fringe" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe something that is marginal, peripheral, or outside the mainstream. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as formal business settings. Its purpose is to categorize elements that deviate from what is considered central or conventional. While alternatives like "at the periphery" or "outside the mainstream" exist, "on the fringe" remains a versatile and frequently used expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outside the mainstream

Highlights the deviation from conventional or widely accepted norms.

on the periphery

Similar to "at the periphery", but slightly more abstract, referring to the outer limits of something.

at the periphery

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

in the margins

Emphasizes being outside the main area of focus or activity.

at the edge of

Highlights the position being on the border or limit.

on the margins of society

Specifically relates to social exclusion or marginalization.

on the outskirts

Emphasizes a location or position far from the center of activity.

in unconventional circles

Refers to groups or environments that do not adhere to standard practices.

in the outer reaches

Implies remoteness and distance from the center.

in less prominent positions

Focuses on the lack of importance or visibility compared to the main entities.

FAQs

How can I use "on the fringe" in a sentence?

You can use "on the fringe" to describe something that is not part of the mainstream or is considered unconventional. For example, "His ideas were considered too radical and remained "on the fringe" of academic thought".

What are some alternatives to using "on the fringe"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "at the periphery", "outside the mainstream", or "in the margins" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "on the fringe" or "at the fringe"?

"On the fringe" is more commonly used than "at the fringe". While both are grammatically correct, "on the fringe" is the more idiomatic and widely accepted expression.

What does it mean when someone says an idea is "on the fringe"?

When an idea is described as "on the fringe", it means that it is considered unconventional, not widely accepted, or outside the mainstream. It suggests that the idea is at the periphery of accepted thought or practice.