on the periphery

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the periphery" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to the outer edges or outskirts of something, such as a city or country, or the outer boundary of a group, situation, or organization. For example: "The small village was on the periphery of the city, and not many people knew it existed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For the briefest instant, two images appear — one in the middle, one on the periphery.

The New Yorker

LAST summer, John Lucas III was on the periphery of one of the ugliest scandals in college basketball.

The New York Times - Sports

Women on the periphery die all the time and no one cares".

The Guardian

You're on the periphery.

The New York Times

Even psychology is kept on the periphery.

The Economist

"He's been on the periphery.

The New York Times - Sports

Lose what's on the periphery.

The New York Times - Arts

They are living on the periphery.

The Guardian

On the periphery, conditions remain dangerous.

The Guardian

Instead, Fleury was back on the periphery.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

His slide from fulcrum to man-on-the-periphery was complete.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the periphery" to describe elements or individuals that are not central to a situation, organization, or area. This helps to clarify their relative importance or location.

Common error

Avoid using "on the periphery" when "marginal" or "secondary" more accurately convey the intended meaning. Periphery implies physical or conceptual distance, while marginal suggests a lack of significance. Use "on the periphery" only if the distance aspect is critical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the periphery" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate a location or state of being that is at the edge or outside of something. Ludwig examples showcase its use to describe spatial location, importance, or involvement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the periphery" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe something located at the edge or outside the main focus. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and academic writing. While alternatives like "at the edge" or "on the margins" exist, understanding the nuance of "on the periphery"—emphasizing distance and non-centrality—is key to its proper use. When writing, ensure that the context requires this emphasis on spatial or conceptual distance to avoid misinterpretations. The phrase has a neutral register, fitting both formal and informal settings, but it's most appropriate for scenarios where precision and clarity are desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the edge

Focuses on the spatial aspect of being located at the border or boundary.

on the margins

Emphasizes the idea of being excluded or less important.

in the outskirts

Specifically refers to the outer parts of a town or city.

at the boundary

Highlights the position at a dividing line or border.

on the fringe

Suggests a position that is unconventional or not fully accepted.

in the background

Implies a less visible or important role.

on the sidelines

Indicates non-participation or observation from a distance.

in the shadow

Suggests being overshadowed or less prominent.

at the extremity

Emphasizes the outermost point or limit.

tangentially involved

Highlights a slight or indirect connection.

FAQs

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

You can use "on the periphery" to describe something that is located on the edge or outside of the main area of focus. For example, "The small village was located "on the periphery" of the forest".

What's the difference between "on the periphery" and "in the center"?

"On the periphery" refers to the outer edges or borders of something, while "in the center" indicates the middle or most important part. They are opposite in meaning.

What can I say instead of "on the periphery"?

Alternatives include "at the edge", "on the margins", or "in the outskirts" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "at the periphery" instead of "on the periphery"?

While "at the periphery" isn't incorrect, "on the periphery" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "On" is typically preferred when referring to a location or position.