on the margin

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the margin" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is not essential, happening on the side, or not included in the main discussion. For example, "Although the topic was not central to the conversation, we discussed it briefly on the margin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is also one benefit, on the margin, to being liable for the A.M.T.

The New York Times

"I'm on the margin".

The New Yorker

MOOCs are on the margin.

The New York Times

"It is right on the margin".

The New York Times

The bitterness of life on the margin.

The Guardian

Writing on the margin... Aphra Behn and Carol Ann Duffy.

The Guardian - Books

"It's only on the margin," Mr. Finger said.

The New York Times

No information on the margin of error was available.

The New York Times

Countries once on the margin are moving toward the center.

The New York Times

"On the margin, they will still be relevant.

The New York Times - Tech

I feel like, on the margin, more money is great.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing economic or statistical data, employ "on the margin" to convey that an element has a minimal but measurable impact, or when discussing items of secondary importance.

Common error

Avoid using "on the margin" to describe central or decisive factors. This phrase signifies peripheral influence, not the main driver of an event or outcome. Instead, use direct language to address central factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the margin" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate a limited impact, a peripheral position, or a slight difference. It's often employed to qualify statements, indicating that something is true to a certain degree, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the margin" is a versatile prepositional phrase that adds nuance to writing and speech. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, confirming that it signifies a minor effect, peripheral consideration, or something slightly outside the main focus. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, it lends precision when conveying the limited but potential relevance of certain elements. Related phrases include "at the edge", "at the periphery", and "slightly", but remember, it's crucial to distinguish its specific nuance from these alternatives to ensure precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the periphery

Emphasizes being on the outer boundary or edge of something.

at the boundary

Highlights a position right at the edge or dividing line.

by a hair's breadth

Focuses on the narrowness of a margin or difference.

at the edge

Focuses on the boundary or periphery, rather than the marginal effect or position.

only just

Emphasizes how close something is to a limit or threshold.

barely

Indicates that something is achieved or possible with minimal effort or success.

of secondary importance

Highlights the lower level of importance compared to the primary focus.

slightly

Denotes a small degree or extent of something.

to a limited extent

Indicates a restriction in scope or degree.

inconsequentially

Emphasizes the lack of significant impact or consequence.

FAQs

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

You can use "on the margin" to indicate that something has a small but noticeable effect, as in, "On the margin, the new policy improved employee satisfaction."

What are some alternatives to saying "on the margin"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "slightly", "to a limited extent", or "at the periphery" /s/.

Is it correct to say "in the margin" instead of "on the margin"?

While "in the margin" refers to the physical space of a page's margin, "on the margin" usually refers to something being of secondary importance or having a minor impact.

What's the difference between "on the margin" and "on the fringes"?

"On the margin" suggests a minor effect or consideration, while "on the fringes" refers to something being unconventional, peripheral, or outside the mainstream.