a margin of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a margin of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a difference or allowance in measurements, scores, or other quantitative assessments. Example: "The project was completed with a margin of error of 5%, ensuring accuracy in the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Is there a margin of error?

Independent

Polls have a margin of error (duh).

The New York Times

They voted by a margin of 5.6% to remain.

The Guardian - Opinion

It has a margin of sampling error of 4.9percentt.

The New York Times

It has a margin of error of 2.7 points.

The New York Times

Well, a margin of error of $35bn seems reasonable.

The Guardian

His objective, he said, is a margin of 10percentt.

The New York Times

As such, they do not have a margin of error.

The Guardian

The survey had a margin of error of 3.5percentt.

The New York Times

The seat was previously held by a margin of 2.6%.

The Guardian

The poll had a margin of error of 2.2percentt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing statistical data, clearly state "a margin of" error alongside the reported results to provide context for the accuracy of the findings.

Common error

Avoid using "a margin of" interchangeably with terms like "a majority of" or "a percentage of". "A margin of" indicates a degree of difference or error, while the others denote proportions or dominance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a margin of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun. It typically indicates the extent or degree of something, such as difference, error, or allowance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a margin of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the extent of difference, error, or allowance. As Ludwig AI notes, it's grammatically correct and commonly found across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. While often associated with numerical data, it can also apply to non-numerical concepts like "a narrow margin". When using this phrase, consider the context to choose the most appropriate alternative if needed, such as "a degree of" or "a range of". Remember to clearly define "a margin of" error when presenting statistical data to ensure clarity and transparency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difference of

Highlights the disparity or variation between two or more things.

a degree of

This alternative focuses on the extent or level of difference or allowance.

an extent of

Similar to 'a degree of', this highlights the range or scope of something.

an allowance of

Focuses on the permitted amount or degree of something.

a level of

This phrase emphasizes the particular standard or height of something.

a scope of

This alternative focuses on the breadth or range within which something operates or exists.

a range of

This suggests a spectrum or variety within defined limits.

a leeway of

Implies flexibility or freedom within certain bounds.

a space of

Emphasizes the gap or interval between things.

a room for

Suggests the availability or possibility for something.

FAQs

How do I use "a margin of" in a sentence?

"A margin of" is typically used to describe the extent of a difference, error, or allowance, such as "The poll has "a margin of error" of 3%" or "The company aims for "a margin of profit" of 10%".

What's the difference between "a margin of error" and "a margin of safety"?

"A margin of error" refers to the potential inaccuracy in a statistical estimate, whereas "a margin of safety" is a buffer built into a plan or design to account for unexpected events or uncertainties.

Can I use "a margin of" to describe non-numerical differences?

While "a margin of" is often used with numerical values, it can also describe non-numerical differences, such as "The victory was won by "a narrow margin"" or "There's "a small margin for error" in this process".

What are some alternatives to "a margin of" in different contexts?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a degree of", "an extent of", or "a range of" to convey similar meanings. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express.