tangential remark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tangential remark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a comment or statement that is only slightly related to the main topic or discussion. Example: "During the meeting, she made a tangential remark about the weather that diverted the conversation from the main agenda."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Filming Mr. Hayden so stiltedly that they seem almost to be afraid of him, they rely on slow, restrictive camera movements to capture even the most tangential remarks.

The New York Times

This line of thinking started with tangential, if not elliptical, remarks published by R.A. Fisher in 1930 [ 32] and J.B.S. Haldane in 1941 [ 33], but it was Peter Medawar who took up this theme at length, particularly in his famous 1952 essay, "An Unsolved Problem of Biology" [ 34].

Biology Direct

He regularly appeared on American television, often delivering remarks that seemed obscure or tangential.

The New York Times - Books

True to its title, which is a Romani word for freedom, Gatlif used his freedom to direct a tangential, poignant romantic story with the historical documents available to him, unlike other movies with similar themes, remarked Jacques Mandelbaum at Le Monde.

Wikipedia

"Mr. Douglas Watt, of the News, recently remarked in a review of a ballet with a score by Aleksandr Glazunov that one of the tangential reasons people like to go to the ballet is that it often offers them a chance to listen to pleasant music without feeling guilty about it".

The New Yorker

Very tangential.

The New Yorker

A final tangential observation.

The Guardian - Music

And sometimes tangential.

The New Yorker

Your failure was tangential.

The New York Times - Magazine

(b) Tangential brain sectioning.

Nature

Playing safe necessitated tangential allegories.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tangential remark" when you want to describe a comment that is only loosely connected to the main topic. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it suggests a more thoughtful consideration than simply calling something "irrelevant".

Common error

Avoid confusing "tangential", meaning indirectly related, with "tangible", which means perceptible by touch. Using "tangible" in place of "tangential" will drastically alter the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tangential remark" functions as a noun phrase where "tangential" (adjective) modifies "remark" (noun). It describes the nature or quality of the remark itself, indicating that it's not directly relevant to the main subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tangential remark" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a comment or statement that is only indirectly related to the main topic. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it is a relatively uncommon phrase. It can be used in various contexts, with a slight inclination toward formal settings. Consider alternatives like "irrelevant comment" or "off-topic statement" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be careful not to confuse "tangential" with "tangible".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tangential observation

Uses a synonym for remark, keeping the overall meaning very close.

irrelevant comment

Emphasizes the lack of connection to the current topic.

off-topic statement

Highlights that the remark deviates from the subject at hand.

incidental observation

Suggests the remark is a minor, secondary point.

peripheral comment

Indicates the remark is on the edge of the main discussion.

unrelated remark

Directly states the lack of relation to the present matter.

extraneous comment

Points out the remark is unnecessary or not essential.

digressive statement

Implies the remark leads away from the central topic.

by-the-way comment

Indicates the remark is casually introduced and not central.

passing comment

Implies the remark is brief and not of great importance.

FAQs

How can I use "tangential remark" in a sentence?

You can use "tangential remark" to describe a statement that is related to the main topic only indirectly. For instance, "During the presentation, he made a "tangential remark" about his vacation plans".

What is the difference between a "tangential remark" and an "irrelevant comment"?

A "tangential remark" is slightly related to the topic, while an "irrelevant comment" has no connection at all. The former might provide some context, however weak, while the latter is completely off-topic.

What are some synonyms for "tangential remark"?

Alternatives to "tangential remark" include "off-topic statement", "peripheral comment", or "incidental observation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "tangential remark" formal or informal?

"Tangential remark" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it leans towards being more formal. In a very informal setting, a simpler phrase like "by-the-way comment" may be more appropriate.