a limited margin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a limited margin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or restricted amount of space, difference, or allowance in various contexts, such as finance, design, or performance. Example: "The project's budget has a limited margin for unexpected expenses, so we need to plan carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This led to the selection of individuals with a less-severe diabetic neuropathy with only mild impairment of NCVs at baseline (mean NCVs in the range of 40.1 43.8 m/s; Table  1) which, in turn, leaves a limited margin for improvement in response to an active treatment, thus requiring a higher number of patients to show significant differences.

Diabetologia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Colombian society has a limited tolerance for the FARC's lies, and the government has little margin to maneuver," said Senator Juan Lozano, a member of the president's party.

The New York Times

But it's a limited leeway.

Forbes

Introduction: The majority of recommended drugs to treat status epilepticus (SE) patients have a limited safety margin with potential risk of drug drug interactions.

Annals of Intensive Care

limited margins of innovations: innovation is performed inside a well defined system platform, which is strongly standardized and limited at component and subcomponent level;   3.

European Transport Research Review

Earlier this week, Credit Suisse First Boston said it sees a number of hurdles ATI must overcome in the next few months, including limited margins, high inventory and competition from Nvidia.

Forbes

A limited study of margin recovery strategies was performed for the PWR case that indicated that minor to moderate changes in plant operation or design could be used to recover the safety margin reduction that would occur from the power uprate.

Reliability Engineering & System Safety

Representatives from Russia and other countries were invited to Dayton, but they had a limited role on the margins of compromise.

Huffington Post

The China Securities Regulatory Commission announced on Sunday that it would experiment with the introduction of short-selling and trading on margin on a limited basis, but did not say when the trial would begin.

The New York Times

A localized fan delta has a limited extent in the southwestern margin of the Malang sag.

Petroleum Science

Indeed, the diminished fibrotic reaction present in ILC makes it difficult for pathologists and surgeons to determine the gross extent of the disease during surgery, and to achieve tumor-free margins after a limited excision.

Breast Cancer Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a limited margin" in technical or business writing, quantify the limitation whenever possible to provide more clarity. For example, "The project operates with a limited margin of 5% for cost overruns."

Common error

Avoid using "a limited margin" when you actually mean "a limited scope". "Margin" refers to an allowance or difference, while "scope" refers to the extent or area covered. Use "a limited scope" when discussing the breadth of a project or topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a limited margin" functions as a noun phrase, where "limited" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "margin". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It describes a specific condition or state of being constrained.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a limited margin" is grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts to denote a small amount of allowance or difference. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to express constraint, with usage spanning from formal business communications to scientific research. When writing, ensure you're accurately conveying the intended scope versus degree, and quantify the limitation to enhance clarity. Remember that related terms such as "a narrow margin" or "a small allowance" may be more suitable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a narrow margin

Focuses on the small difference or space available, often in competitive or critical situations.

a limited leeway

Highlights the restricted degree of freedom or flexibility available in a given situation.

a modest buffer

Focuses on describing the buffer as not great or outstanding.

a finite leeway

Highlights that the degree of freedom is limited.

a narrow scope

Emphasizes the restricted extent or range of something, focusing on the breadth rather than the allowance.

a tight constraint

Stresses the strict limitations or restrictions imposed on a situation or resource.

a small allowance

Highlights the meager or insufficient amount provided for a specific purpose.

a reduced buffer

Highlights the decreased safety net or reserve available to absorb shocks or errors.

a restricted capacity

Points out the limited ability or capability to handle demands or tasks.

a slender opportunity

Emphasizes the slight or precarious chance available to achieve a desired outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "a limited margin" to describe situations where there's not much room for error, such as "The company is operating with "a limited margin" for financial missteps."

What's the difference between "a limited margin" and "a narrow margin"?

While both phrases indicate a small allowance, "a narrow margin" often implies a more critical or competitive context, such as winning an election by a narrow margin, whereas "a limited margin" can apply more broadly to any constrained situation.

What can I say instead of "a limited margin"?

You can use alternatives like "a small allowance", "a tight constraint", or "a finite leeway" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a limited margin" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in business, scientific, or technical contexts where precise descriptions of constraints are necessary.