A slight edge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A slight edge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small advantage or benefit in a competitive context. Example: "In a highly competitive market, having a slight edge can make all the difference in attracting customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A month ago, Indiana was considered relatively even, with perhaps a slight edge to Mr. Obama, of Illinois.

The New York Times

Brown has a slight edge.

The New York Times - Sports

I give a slight edge to Bryant.

The New York Times

The suave staff might also give Stresa a slight edge.

The New York Times

As for price, the Seville has a slight edge.

The New York Times

But there was always a slight edge between us.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Polls show that Obama has a slight edge in Ohio.

The Guardian - Business

There is a slight edge to everything he says.

The Guardian - Books

Recent polls here show Mr. Bush with a slight edge.

The New York Times

Mr. Schwartz gives a slight edge to Mrs. Clinton.

The New York Times

In Arkansas and Louisiana, the Republicans hold a slight edge.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "A slight edge" to indicate a small but potentially significant advantage in competitive situations such as sports, elections, or business.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight edge" when the advantage is substantial. This phrase should only be used when the difference is truly small.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A slight edge" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object, denoting a small advantage or lead. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and well-supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "A slight edge" is a grammatically sound and common way to express a small advantage. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. It is most frequently used in news and media to describe situations where a small advantage can be decisive. While versatile, it's important to reserve this phrase for situations where the advantage is genuinely minor, avoiding overstatement. Understanding the appropriate context will ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Marginal advantage

Replaces "slight" with "marginal", emphasizing the smallness of the advantage.

Small advantage

Uses a more direct and common synonym for "slight".

A minor advantage

Substitutes "slight" with "minor", implying an advantage that is not significant.

A slim advantage

Replaces "slight" with "slim", highlighting the thinness of the advantage.

A narrow lead

Focuses on the concept of leading by a small margin.

An edge

A shorter, more concise way of expressing having an advantage.

A hair's breadth lead

Uses a metaphor to illustrate how narrow the lead is.

A shade better

Implies a difference that is hard to detect but still present.

A touch of superiority

Emphasizes a sense of being better, though only slightly.

A whisper ahead

Uses a metaphor to describe the minimal amount of leading.

FAQs

How to use "A slight edge" in a sentence?

You can use "A slight edge" to indicate that someone or something has a small advantage over another. For example, "Polls suggest that in Ohio, Obama retains "a slight edge" amongst voters."

What can I say instead of "A slight edge"?

You can use alternatives like "small advantage", "minor advantage", or "slim advantage" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "A slight edge" or "A slightly edge"?

"A slight edge" is correct. "Slight" is an adjective describing the noun "edge". "Slightly" is an adverb and would not be grammatically correct in this context.

What's the difference between "A slight edge" and "A significant advantage"?

"A slight edge" implies a small, possibly negligible advantage, while "A significant advantage" suggests a much larger and more impactful lead.