tangentially involved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tangentially involved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is only slightly or indirectly related to a situation or topic. Example: "While I was tangentially involved in the project, I did not have a significant role in its development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"We were ecstatic," one of the brothers says, claiming he was only tangentially involved.

MIT Technology Review

He was only tangentially involved in bringing that show to ABC, but the move was critical.

The New York Times - Arts

A coffeemaker made by the German company Braun was tangentially involved (Amazon.com; ten-cup coffeemaker, $39.99).

The New Yorker

She has been tangentially involved in the art world for some time.

The New Yorker

Several other groups and firms are tangentially involved, some with similar suits that do not specifically contend securities fraud.

The New York Times

It's invariably a frustrating evening, but everyone even tangentially involved in the recording business feels obliged to tune in.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Nothing that happens in a Broncos game is relevant until the fourth-quarter magic, some of which tangentially involves Tebow's doing something good.

The New York Times

And like with any A-list celebrity, any story that even tangentially involves it is automatically newsworthy.

TechCrunch

That Darling Buds of May boxset does look tempting though... FolloWhatsh on Twitter.

Vice

someone involved — however tangentially — with the most serious business crime you can commit.

The New York Times

Besides which, anyone whose trousers annually bulge with a six-million quid salary has no need to get involved, however tangentially, with internet bookmakers.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tangentially involved" to downplay connections that might otherwise be overstated, providing a more accurate representation of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "tangentially involved" when the connection is actually significant or direct. Overusing this phrase can undermine the credibility of your statements and mislead your audience about the true nature of the relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tangentially involved" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, describing the nature and degree of involvement. The phrase serves to qualify or limit the extent to which someone or something is connected to a particular situation or activity, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tangentially involved" is a useful phrase for describing a limited or indirect connection. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and academic contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context accurately reflects the degree of involvement, avoiding overstatements or misinterpretations. Related phrases like "peripherally involved" and "marginally involved" can serve as effective alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately use "tangentially involved" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peripherally involved

Emphasis on being on the edge or outer boundary of involvement.

marginally involved

Highlights the slight or minimal degree of involvement.

indirectly connected

Focuses on the lack of a direct link or relationship.

remotely associated

Stresses the distant or far-off nature of the association.

loosely affiliated

Emphasizes a weak or informal connection.

slightly implicated

Suggests a small degree of responsibility or connection to a negative situation.

incidentally related

Highlights that the relationship is secondary or not the main focus.

adjacently linked

Implies a connection that is near but not directly part of something.

nominally associated

The association exists in name only, with little practical effect.

secondarily concerned

Indicates that the issue is of lesser importance or priority.

FAQs

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

You can use "tangentially involved" to describe a person or entity that has a minor or indirect connection to something. For example, "He was "tangentially involved" in the project, offering occasional advice but not actively participating."

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

"Tangentially involved" indicates a slight or indirect connection, whereas "directly involved" implies a significant and immediate participation in something. The former suggests a minor role, while the latter indicates a major one.

What can I say instead of "tangentially involved"?

You can use alternatives like "peripherally involved", "marginally involved", or "indirectly involved" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "tangentially involved" is suitable for formal writing when you need to accurately describe a minor or indirect connection without exaggerating the importance of that connection.