tangential remarks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tangential remarks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to comments or observations that are not directly related to the main topic of discussion but are somewhat related or peripheral. Example: "During the meeting, she made several tangential remarks that, while interesting, did not contribute to the main agenda."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

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which is a Romani word for freedom, Gatlif used his freedom to direct a tangential, poignant romantic story with the historical documents available to him, unlike other movies with similar themes, remarked Jacques Mandelbaum at Le Monde.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 remarks" to introduce supplementary information that might enrich the main discussion but isn't crucial to it. This shows attentiveness and provides context without derailing the core subject.

Common error

Avoid relying heavily on "tangential remarks" when making key points. This can weaken your argument by suggesting that your evidence is secondary or not directly relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tangential remarks" functions as a noun phrase, where "tangential" modifies "remarks". It describes comments or observations that are related to the main subject but are not directly pertinent to it. According to Ludwig AI, it is a usable and correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tangential remarks" refers to comments or observations related to a main topic but not directly central to it. Ludwig AI confirms it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. When writing, use this phrase to add context and enrichment, but avoid overusing it in critical arguments to maintain clarity and focus. Alternatives include "peripheral comments" or "incidental observations".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peripheral comments

Replaces "tangential" with "peripheral", indicating a less central or relevant point.

incidental observations

Uses "incidental" instead of "tangential", suggesting comments made casually or without intention.

secondary comments

Emphasizes the lower level of importance of the remarks.

related asides

Replaces both words to convey short and related comments.

adjacent comments

Emphasizes the proximity or closeness in relation to the main topic.

oblique remarks

Highlights that the remarks are indirectly expressed or related.

casual comments

Stresses the informality and lack of direct relevance of the comments.

connected digressions

Focuses on the diversion from the main topic while maintaining a connection.

loosely related comments

Clarifies that the connection to the main topic is weak or not very strong.

indirect comments

Emphasizes the lack of direct relevance to the main topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "tangential remarks" to refer to comments that are related to the main topic but not essential to it. For example: "During the presentation, he made a few "tangential remarks" about his previous experiences."

What's a good alternative to "tangential remarks"?

Alternatives include "peripheral comments", "incidental observations", or "secondary comments", depending on the context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Are "tangential remarks" always inappropriate?

No, "tangential remarks" are not always inappropriate. They can add context and depth to a discussion, but it's important to ensure they don't distract from the main focus. Whether to include them depends on the audience and the purpose of your communication.

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

"Tangential remarks" are related to the main topic but not central, while "irrelevant comments" have no connection to the topic at all. The former can still provide some context, whereas the latter are simply off-topic.