tangential

USAGE SUMMARY

'tangential' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is related to the main topic or event in an indirect or peripheral way. For example: Although his statement was tangential to the main topic of discussion, it still provided an interesting insight.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For the record, British people have been doing this sort of thing naturally and without the aid of technology for centuries – that is, issuing a sidelong response during an awkward encounter, a protocol that escalates, in times of outright conflict, to the tangential screw-you.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you're very, very lucky they'll give it a tangential mention at the end of a report.

The Guardian

However, another court dismissed an indictment against two Ukrainians, in a case in which the only American link was the tangential involvement of a federal agency.

The Economist

I wonder if the strange tangential election of their new leader will reinforce that Labour scepticism.Update on Tuesday 28th:Just a quick update, because it is important to fix in place the ground truth close to an event.

The Economist

Mr Brin ("the strategy guy") has calculated that Google's engineers should spend 70% of their time on core products (ie, the search and advertising engines), 20% on relevant but tangential products, and 10% on wild fun that might or might not lead to a product.

The Economist

I'm sure she'd understand that obscure and tangential efforts to deter the PA from adopting negotiating strategies that are uncongenial to US interests trump such peripheral issues as feeding starving kids.

The Economist

One results from the fact that the stylus exerts a frictional force that is tangential to the groove.

The Economist

The subject was one of those issues that attracts bigots, scaremongers and polemicists, with a vanishingly tangential relationship to truth, logic and courtesy.The article described the row as "the most tedious dispute in the Balkans".

The Economist

Banks complain that regulators have gone too far by suggesting that the hiring of officials' relatives counts as bribery.In April an American court dismissed charges against two Ukrainians, in a case in which the only American link was the tangential involvement of a federal agency.

The Economist

He was not nailed down by the press on his political alliances with Mr Blagojevich.Reporters had only a bit more luck drawing out Mr Obama's actual (tangential) role in the mess, and his plans.

The Economist

Back in 1992, after a another set of disappointing results, we suggested that Sony's diversification into tangential product lines, such as Mini Discs and film-making, was damaging the firm's performance back then as well.Sony: Double or quitsTOKYOMay 30th 1992WHEN the chips are down, the gambler in Sony invariably comes to the fore.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tangential", ensure it accurately reflects an indirect but still discernible connection to the main subject. Overuse can dilute focus, so reserve it for genuinely related diversions.

Common error

Avoid using "tangential" to describe something completely unrelated to the topic. It implies a slight connection, not a total absence of relevance.

Linguistic Context

The word "tangential" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate that something has an indirect or peripheral relationship to a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, with numerous examples showcasing its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tangential" functions as an adjective to describe something indirectly related to a central topic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and indicates that it is frequently used in news, encyclopedias, and science writing. While "tangential" is versatile, it's important to ensure that it reflects a genuine, albeit indirect, connection. Alternatives like "peripheral" or "incidental" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. By understanding its subtle implications, writers can use "tangential" effectively to add depth and nuance to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

digressive

Implies deviating from the main subject in speech or writing, similar to a "tangential" discussion.

peripheral

Implies being on the edge or boundary, less central than "tangential".

oblique

Suggests an indirect or roundabout approach, less direct than "tangential".

incidental

Suggests occurring as a minor consequence or accompaniment, somewhat related but not essential.

nonessential

Highlights the unnecessary or dispensable nature of something, differing in emphasis from "tangential".

subsidiary

Indicates a secondary or subordinate role, less direct than "tangential".

ancillary

Denotes providing support or assistance, indirectly related to the main focus.

extraneous

Signifies being irrelevant or unrelated, implying a weaker connection than "tangential".

marginal

Suggests being of minor importance or significance, less impactful than "tangential".

irrelevant

Indicates a lack of connection or pertinence, a stronger degree of disconnection than "tangential".

FAQs

How can I use "tangential" in a sentence?

You can use "tangential" to describe something that is related to the main topic in an indirect or peripheral way. For example, "That subject is "tangential" to our discussion, and we cannot let it distract us."

What are some alternatives to using the word "tangential"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "peripheral", "incidental", or "digressive".

Is it correct to say something is "tangential to" a subject?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use the phrase "tangential to" when indicating that something has an indirect or somewhat related connection to a particular subject.

What's the difference between "tangential" and "irrelevant"?

"Tangential" implies a slight, indirect connection, while "irrelevant" means there is no connection at all. Something tangential is still somewhat related, even if not directly.