peripherally

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'peripherally' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is an adverb that means "in a way that is connected but not central or essential." Example: The company's profits have been impacted peripherally by the new tax law, but our core business remains strong.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How far from that danger re-emerging are we now when David Cameron asserts that everyone involved with rioting, however peripherally, should expect to go to jail; 100,000 sign a petition for those convicted to lose their benefits and councils intend to evict people who live in the same house as culprits, just for being their brother, sister or grandparent?

The Guardian - Opinion

And the Pakistani and Burmese projects can be explained in part by two Chinese obsessions only peripherally related to India.

The Economist

Even Tunisia and Egypt have been peripherally affected.So freedom, especially for families of the wounded and dead, has yet to bring joy to the south.

The Economist

Most of the debates on immigration have focused on cultural and economic issues and only peripherally on ethnicity, and (with the exception of the complex Aboriginal issues) Australians largely have been spared the kinds of interracial conflict that have scarred other immigrant societies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

More peripherally, each spinal nerve divides into ventral and dorsal rami.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Diversity of form, in contrast to size, only impinges peripherally on human awareness of life and thus is less noticed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In The Marble Faun a trio of expatriate American art students in Italy become peripherally involved to varying degrees in the murder of an unknown man; their contact with sin transforms two of them from innocents into adults now possessed of a mature and critical awareness of life's complexity and possibilities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Along the way he fell out with just about every member of the English press corps, a breed whose company, at least peripherally, he positively relished for the first few years.

Independent

And it goes to show that certain sections of the media must resist propagating the myth that HIV is a death sentence to both the people it affects, and those who come peripherally into contact with it.

Independent

But for those peripherally involved – because it happened in their neighbourhood – it means establishing a relationship between their everyday normality and the momentousness of what they have just learned.

Independent

Look away at her eyes or her hair, on the other hand, and the mouth is now being seen peripherally, and your brain co-opts the shadows on either side of the lips as part of a broader smile.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's involvement, ensure "peripherally" is followed by a verb or adjective that clarifies the nature of their limited role. For example, "peripherally involved" or "peripherally aware".

Common error

While "peripherally" is acceptable, relying too heavily on it can make your writing seem less precise. Consider stronger verbs or more direct phrases to convey nuanced connections and avoid a repetitive tone.

Linguistic Context

Peripherally functions as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate that an action, state, or quality is related but not central. Ludwig AI confirms this grammatical correctness. Examples show its use to describe involvement or awareness that is not direct or essential.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "peripherally" functions as an adverb to denote a connection that is not central or essential. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage. It is commonly used in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts to qualify relationships or involvements. While versatile, it's important to consider stronger verbs or phrases to avoid overuse and ensure clarity. Alternatives include "marginally", "tangentially", and "incidentally". By understanding its function and nuances, you can effectively use "peripherally" to convey precise meanings in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marginally

Indicates a slight or minimal connection.

incidentally

Implies an occurrence or involvement that is not the main focus.

tangentially

Suggests a connection that is loosely related or diverging.

secondarily

Highlights a less important or subordinate involvement.

indirectly

Denotes a connection that is not immediate or straightforward.

remotely

Suggests a distant or slight association.

subordinately

Implies a role that is secondary or less significant.

in passing

Indicates a brief or casual mention or involvement.

on the fringes

Suggests involvement at the outer edges or boundaries.

outwardly

In an external manner, but not necessarily deeply involved.

FAQs

How can I use "peripherally" in a sentence?

Use "peripherally" to describe something that is related but not centrally important, as in "The project was only "marginally" affected by the economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to "peripherally"?

Alternatives include "tangentially", "incidentally", or "remotely", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone was "peripherally involved"?

Yes, "peripherally involved" is a correct and common usage, indicating that someone had a minor or non-essential role in something.

What does "peripherally" mean in a medical context?

In medicine, "peripherally" can refer to locations or systems away from the center of the body, such as a "peripherally inserted central catheter" (PICC) line.