tangential that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tangential that" is not standard in written English and may be confusing. It could be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something is only slightly related to the main topic. Example: "The discussion was tangential that it barely touched on the main issue." Alternative expressions include "marginally related," "peripherally connected," and "loosely associated."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

They seek to find some controversy, often tangential, that opponents of the nomination will then pounce upon as proof of the nominee's unfitness for the job while exclaiming that the 'people have a right to know'.

Huffington Post

Other golfers were present, but playing cameo roles so tangential that NBC should have employed a corner box to display Tiger's reactions when mortals named Ernie, Padraig and Miguel rudely intruded on his historic Face Time.

The New York Times - Sports

The role of George Bluth Sr., who is carted off on fraud charges, was considered so tangential that Mr. Tambor was cast only hours before the show was filmed.

The New York Times - Arts

That transit is so tangential, that properties such as its radius, density, and temperature are unknown.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

To calculate τ′, we focused on the tangential plane that contacts both the longitudinal and circumferential lines that cross the mother nucleus (supplementary material Fig. S4C).

Biology Open

Avoid tangential issues that are not the real problem but merely the trigger that gets the argument started.

Huffington Post

He's inherently likable too, which, when added to his passion for poisson and the tangential rambles that typically punctuate his programmes, provides a surefire recipe for on-screen success.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The group pictured below are a tangential reformation that sprouted around a decade ago, boasting the same roots as the original trippy prog-jazz influencers, and featuring many of its original members.

The Guardian - Music

In embarking on such a spectacular structural effort for what most would consider a secondary space, Mr. Nouvel is upholding the value of the tangential experiences that are often the most important in life.

The New York Times - Arts

Thus, Whipple explained the slow shrinking of Encke's orbit as the result of tangential forces that were pointed opposite to the comet's direction of motion, causing the comet nucleus to slow down, slowly shrinking the orbit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In some cases, this isn't even direct competition, but tangential competition that has no bearing at all on the founder's startup.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tangential that", ensure the connection you're describing, even if slight, is clear to your audience. Providing context helps avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "tangential that" when the relationship is actually central or significant. Misrepresenting the strength of the connection can mislead your readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tangential that" functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting an adjective (tangential) with a subordinate clause introduced by "that". It indicates a loose or indirect relationship between two elements. Ludwig confirms that is used to describe that relation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tangential that" serves as a conjunction phrase used to describe something as being only slightly related or connected. It appears most frequently in news and media, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts, maintaining a neutral register. While not strictly grammatically standard, its consistent use makes it acceptable when clarity is maintained. Alternatives such as "indirectly related to" or "peripherally connected to" can provide similar meanings. Ludwig’s analysis suggests that while acceptable, writers should use it judiciously, ensuring that the connection's context is clear and not overstated. The Ludwig AI describes the phrase as acceptable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tangentially linked to

Adverbial form emphasizing the tangential nature of the link.

somewhat related to

Indicates a partial or incomplete relationship.

indirectly related to

Focuses on the indirect nature of the relationship.

peripherally connected to

Emphasizes a connection at the edge or margin of something.

marginally relevant to

Highlights the limited relevance of the subject.

loosely associated with

Suggests a weak or flexible connection.

incidentally linked to

Points out a connection that is secondary or unintentional.

remotely connected to

Stresses the distant nature of the connection.

hardly related to

Highlights the minimal level of relationship.

barely relevant to

Emphasizes the scarcity of relevance.

FAQs

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

You can use "tangential that" to indicate a slight or indirect relationship between two things. For example, "The evidence was tangential that it didn't directly prove the main point."

What are some alternatives to "tangential that"?

Alternatives include "indirectly related to", "peripherally connected to", or "marginally relevant to".

Is "tangential that" grammatically correct?

While not a standard grammatical construction, "tangential that" is used to show a slight connection. It is considered acceptable when the meaning is clear in context.

How does the meaning of "tangential that" differ from "directly related to"?

"Tangential that" implies an indirect or minor relationship, whereas "directly related to" indicates a strong and immediate connection. To show a strong and immediate connection use "directly related to".