tangentially connected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tangentially connected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship or connection that is not central or direct, but still exists in some way. Example: "While the two projects are tangentially connected, they each have their own distinct goals and objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

It's basically three short stories, very tangentially connected, unexpectedly, contrapuntally working together".

The New York Times

are too narrowly depicted, and too tangentially connected to sociopolitical themes, to attain the sweeping expansiveness of Mr. Márquez's writing.

The New York Times

Everyone even tangentially connected to the movie business -- journalists, sales agents, publicists, caterers -- has a Harvey story or has borrowed someone else's.

The New York Times - Magazine

What really elevates James, however, from being a merely tedious Sloane marrying his female equivalent, is that he is already tangentially connected to the celebrity world.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Most of the men on federal death row were put there for reasons that are only tangentially connected to the federal government.

The Guardian

So far, the convictions have largely been for crimes only tangentially connected to what might be some of the country's really big scandals.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

The show is eight essentially free-standing short films, all between twenty-six minutes and a half-hour in length, and several of which are connected tangentially (as with a lead character in one having a supporting part in another).

The New Yorker

As for the stories, they're all connected, however tangentially, with athletic endeavor.

The New Yorker

I ponder on how little we know of each other, on how we touch but tangentially, two slivers connecting.

Huffington Post

The different frames of reference have to be connected, even if only tangentially.

The New Yorker

Sometimes, his remarks are only connected to my remarks tangentially, which is interesting, or is this just something that happens?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tangentially connected" to accurately describe relationships that are not direct or central, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "tangentially connected" when the relationship is nonexistent or completely irrelevant. Ensure there is some discernible, albeit minor, connection between the subjects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tangentially connected" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a past participle adjective. It describes the nature of a connection as being indirect, slight, or peripheral. Ludwig examples show it qualifying the relationship between people, events, or ideas.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tangentially connected" is a commonly used phrase that accurately describes an indirect or slight relationship between entities. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is grammatically correct and is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the connection, although minor, is still discernible and relevant. Alternative phrases such as "loosely related" or "indirectly linked" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the desired level of nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

loosely related

This alternative suggests a weaker connection than "tangentially connected".

indirectly linked

This phrase highlights the lack of a direct relationship.

peripherally associated

This option emphasizes the marginal nature of the connection.

remotely related

This emphasizes the distant nature of the connection.

tenuously linked

This option underlines the fragility of the connection.

marginally related

This emphasizes the slightness of the connection.

incidentally related

Focuses on the coincidental nature of the relationship.

vaguely associated

This option indicates a lack of clarity or definition in the connection.

distantly related

This emphasizes the separation between the things that are connected.

superficially linked

Highlights that the connection is not deep or meaningful.

FAQs

How can I use "tangentially connected" in a sentence?

You can use "tangentially connected" to describe something that has a slight or indirect relationship to something else. For example: "The suspect was only "indirectly involved" in the crime, being merely tangentially connected to the main conspirators".

What are some alternatives to "tangentially connected"?

Alternatives to "tangentially connected" include "loosely related", "indirectly linked", or "peripherally associated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "tangentially connected" in formal writing?

Yes, "tangentially connected" is appropriate for formal writing. Ludwig AI shows it appears in news articles, academic papers, and other professional contexts.

What's the difference between "tangentially connected" and "directly connected"?

"Tangentially connected" implies an indirect or slight relationship, while "directly connected" indicates a clear and immediate link. For instance, a supplier of a company is directly connected to its manufacturing process, while the local coffee shop near the company's office is only tangentially connected.