a decisive margin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decisive margin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a clear and significant difference in outcomes, such as in elections, competitions, or measurements. Example: "The candidate won the election by a decisive margin, securing over 60% of the votes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

She won by a decisive margin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She reconsidered, however, and went on to win the final by a decisive margin, despite muddy conditions.

Britannica

The 59-year-old secured a decisive margin in a landmark election which could disrupt relations with Beijing.

Independent

The anti-austerity far-left Syriza party wins the Greek election by a decisive margin, but is just short of an outright majority.

The Guardian - Business

The anti-austerity far-left party Syriza wins the Greek election by a decisive margin, but is just short of an outright majority.

The Guardian - Business

But Mr. Mangabeira said those are mostly "superficial weaknesses," because Mr. Fox was elected president by a decisive margin in the midst of a national feeling of rebirth.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The change was one that political experts saw as capable of delivering 20 or more seats to the Conservatives at the cost of the opposition Labour Party, a potentially decisive margin in a close contest.

The New York Times

While that's probably over-optimistic, a more decisive margin over Trump might do the trick.

Huffington Post

We say that in full knowledge that the college may be tilting toward the kinds of candidates we tend to support and provided a far more decisive margin for Mr. Obama earlier this month than his showing in the popular vote.

The New York Times

Hewlett-Packard said yesterday that a count by independent inspectors had confirmed that it won the shareholder vote in the fierce proxy battle over the company's future by a modest but decisive margin.

The New York Times

The Roth whose primary concern is the past - the elegiac, summarizing, conservative Roth - is preferred over his more aesthetically radical, restless, present-minded doppelgnger by a narrow but decisive margin.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a decisive margin" to clearly indicate a substantial difference in results, such as in elections or sports, ensuring your audience understands the significance of the win or lead.

Common error

Avoid using "a decisive margin" when the difference is minimal or insignificant; reserve it for scenarios where the lead or victory is genuinely substantial and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decisive margin" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as an object or complement within a sentence. It describes the extent of a victory or difference, emphasizing its clarity and significance. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a decisive margin" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a significant difference or victory. It's used across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and general writing. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, suggesting it’s a reliable choice for conveying the magnitude of an outcome. While alternatives like "a clear victory" or "a significant advantage" exist, "a decisive margin" specifically emphasizes the extent of the lead. When using this phrase, ensure the context genuinely reflects a substantial difference to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear victory

Emphasizes the clarity of the win, changing the focus from the margin to the outcome.

a significant advantage

Highlights the advantageous position gained, rather than the final result.

a substantial lead

Focuses on the lead size, using a more general term than "decisive".

an overwhelming triumph

Emphasizes the magnitude of the victory, suggesting a more comprehensive win.

a commanding lead

Highlights the control and dominance implied by the lead.

a landslide victory

Suggests a sweeping and comprehensive win, usually in elections.

a comfortable win

Indicates a win without much difficulty, differing from the intensity of "decisive".

a resounding success

Focuses on the overall success, shifting the context from competition to achievement.

a clear-cut win

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity in the victory.

a convincing victory

Highlights the persuasiveness and strength of the win.

FAQs

How can I use "a decisive margin" in a sentence?

You can use "a decisive margin" to describe a clear and significant difference in outcomes. For example, "The candidate won the election by "a decisive margin"" or "The team secured "a decisive margin" in the final round".

What's a good alternative to "a decisive margin"?

Alternatives include "a clear victory", "a significant advantage", or "a substantial lead", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a decisive margin" in formal writing?

Yes, "a decisive margin" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It's a clear and widely understood phrase that adds emphasis to the significance of a difference or win.

What does "a decisive margin" imply about the outcome?

It implies that the outcome was not only a win but a win by a considerable amount, leaving no doubt about the victor's superiority or the significance of the difference.