a narrow margin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a narrow margin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small difference or gap between two things, often in contexts like competition, voting, or measurements. Example: "The election was decided by a narrow margin, with only a few hundred votes separating the candidates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She won by a narrow margin.

The New York Times - Arts

He was reelected in 1998 by a narrow margin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now, the Republicans control the Senate by a narrow margin.

The New York Times

The quota system was retained by a narrow margin.

The New Yorker

Mr. Romney won the nation's suburbs by a narrow margin.

The New York Times

I expect a Liberal win by a narrow margin.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unfortunately the budget was defeated by a narrow margin.

The New York Times

The Brady amendment was also approved by a narrow margin – 317 to 301.

Yale University

Ms. Park won the election by a narrow margin and was inaugurated in February.

The New York Times

Had she scraped through with a narrow margin, it would have been historic enough.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In a narrow-margin business, these small increments can make a big difference.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing results, especially in elections or competitions, use "a narrow margin" to underscore the closeness of the outcome. This adds emphasis to the uncertainty and tension involved.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a narrow margin" implies unimportance. Even a small difference can have significant consequences, especially in critical decision-making processes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a narrow margin" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as an adverbial modifier to describe how something occurred, such as an election being won or a vote being passed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and acceptable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a narrow margin" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate a close or tight difference in various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase and typically describes how an outcome occurred, emphasizing its precariousness. Its register is neutral, making it appropriate for both formal and informal settings. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, academic writing, and encyclopedias. Remember to use it to highlight the closeness of a result, and avoid assuming that it implies insignificance. Consider alternative phrases like "a close call" or "a tight race" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a close call

Indicates a situation where the outcome could have easily been different, emphasizing the precariousness.

a near thing

Similar to "a close call", indicating that something almost went wrong or resulted in a different outcome.

a tight race

Specifically refers to a competition, such as an election, where the contenders are very close in performance or votes.

a marginal difference

Highlights that the difference is so small that it is almost insignificant.

a close contest

Similar to "a tight race", indicating a highly competitive situation with closely matched participants.

a slim lead

Highlights the small advantage one party has over another, typically in a competitive scenario.

a negligible gap

Emphasizes that the distance between two values or entities is so small it can be ignored.

a wafer-thin majority

Emphasizes the extreme fragility of a majority, suggesting it could easily be overturned.

a hair's breadth

An idiomatic expression indicating an extremely small distance or degree of difference.

by the skin of one's teeth

An idiomatic phrase denoting that someone barely succeeded or escaped a negative outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "a narrow margin" to describe situations where the difference between two outcomes is small, such as in an election result or a competition. For example: "The bill passed by a narrow margin."

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

You can use alternatives like "a close call", "a tight race", or "a slim lead" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a narrow margin" is appropriate for formal writing, including news reports, academic papers, and business communications. It clearly and concisely conveys the idea of a small difference.

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

"A narrow margin" indicates a small difference, whereas "a significant margin" implies a substantial or noteworthy difference. The choice depends on the actual degree of difference you want to convey.