tangential points

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tangential points" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to ideas or arguments that are related but not central to the main topic of discussion. Example: "While discussing the main theme of the novel, the author also touches on several tangential points that enrich the narrative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

These do not turn out to be tangential points.

The New York Times - Books

He is put together in a series of stories from different, tangential points of view.

The Guardian - Books

And yet I must confess that there were a few tangential points in von Junzt's account that caused me some misgiving.

The New Yorker

So Rosi's principal character is actually a young, hunting-obsessed boy called Samuele, born into a traditional fishing family – and it is through his tangential points of contact with the wider world that we begin to see the colossal tragedy acting out.

The Guardian - Film

For the summation range from 230 to 300 km, the horizontal distance between the tangential points is about 330 km.

Earth, Planets and Space

It formed as microscopic hemispheres rather than a flat plane, so that if applied to paper, it yielded a bonding surface of widely spaced tangential points.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Mullan's usage brings up a tangential point: Britons use homeliness for what we would call homeyness.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Telegraph also raised a tangential point that struck a couple of other papers about the "shadowy and allegedly independent body" known as the Honours Forfeiture Committee.

The Guardian

The ethics of allowing faith-based groups to have a central role in healthcare provision have been well rehearsed: there's an interesting tangential point, here, when you look at the other work undertaken by charities lining up to do abortion counselling.

The Guardian - Opinion

The mapping f leaves invariant the family of horocyclics with tangential point at infinity.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

The limb profile has its tangential point at 32.3°S and 124.2°E and 90 km in altitude.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tangential points" to add depth and nuance to your writing, enriching the reader's understanding without derailing from the primary focus.

Common error

Avoid dedicating too much attention to "tangential points", as it can dilute your main argument and lose the reader's interest. Keep their discussion concise and focused on their relationship to the central theme.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tangential points" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies aspects or details that are related to a central idea but are not essential to it. Ludwig AI, based on its analysis, indicates that this usage is grammatically sound and contextually appropriate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tangential points" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to refer to related but non-essential aspects of a central topic. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. Its usage is common in both news and media and scientific contexts. When incorporating "tangential points" into your writing, ensure they add depth and context without overshadowing the main argument. Be mindful of not overemphasizing them to maintain clarity and focus. Consider alternatives like "peripheral aspects" or "related issues" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peripheral aspects

Focuses on the outer edges or less important parts of a subject.

related issues

Highlights the connection to the main topic, but remains distinct.

incidental details

Emphasizes the non-essential nature of the information.

secondary considerations

Indicates that these points are of lesser importance.

adjacent topics

Implies that the topics are next to each other but not the same.

connected ideas

Stresses the link between the points and the central theme.

relevant asides

Highlights the digressive nature while maintaining relevance.

by-the-way observations

Signifies casually mentioned but relevant remarks.

non-essential elements

Focuses on elements that can be removed without affecting the core.

loosely-related points

Underlines the weak connection between the main subject and the extra information.

FAQs

How can I effectively incorporate "tangential points" into my writing?

Introduce "tangential points" briefly and clearly, explaining their connection to the main topic. Use them to provide context or supporting information without overshadowing your primary argument.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "tangential points"?

Consider using phrases like "peripheral aspects", "related issues", or "incidental details" depending on the context and the degree of relevance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "tangential points"?

"Tangential points" is suitable in academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts where you need to acknowledge related but non-central information. It helps to provide a comprehensive view without losing focus.

How do "tangential points" differ from main arguments?

"Tangential points" are secondary or supporting details that relate to the main argument but are not essential to its core. They add depth and context but should not distract from the primary focus.