a narrow margin between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a narrow margin between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small difference or distinction between two things, often in contexts like competition, decision-making, or comparisons. Example: "The election was decided by a narrow margin between the two candidates, highlighting the divided opinions of the voters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Warfarin, meanwhile, is the classic example of a drug with a narrow margin between therapeutic and toxic doses, requiring regular blood monitoring, and it can interact with many other drugs and foods.

The New York Times

Scale-invariant neuronal avalanches have been observed in cell cultures and slices as well as anesthetized and awake brains, suggesting that the brain operates near criticality, i.e. within a narrow margin between avalanche propagation and extinction.

Duke University

While Se is essential for many organisms, there is a narrow margin between deficiency and toxicity levels.

BMC Ecology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Propoxyphene also has a narrow margin of safety between the recommended dose and a harmful dose or fatal overdose, according to the F.D.A. review and other experts.

The New York Times

"But they shut down when you get to about 105 degrees, so you have a very narrow margin between acceptability in terms of activity and a danger point".

The New York Times

Mr. Zuma said the presidential election appeared to have produced a very narrow margin between Mr. Mugabe and Mr. Tsvangirai, meaning that each man commanded significant support among Zimbabweans.

The New York Times

For example, Bernie Sanders is seeing more Google search interest and Twitter conversation than Hillary Clinton, but the Iowa caucus results showed Clinton beating Sanders by a narrow margin, indicating the race is tight between the two.

TechCrunch

For example, Bernie Sanders is seeing more Google search interest and Twitter conversation than Hillary Clinton, but the Iowa caucus results showed Clinton beating Sanders by a narrow margin, indicating the race is tight between the two.

TechCrunch

The comparison between both groups missed significance by a narrow margin (p=0.054).

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The haemoglobin target was selected with a narrow margin 11-122 g/dL) to improve the likelihood of finding differences between the groups.

BMC Nephrology

In the first summer practice scrimmage between them, the portable team loses by only a narrow margin.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a narrow margin between" to highlight a critical or sensitive threshold where a small change can have significant consequences. Consider it when discussing risks, tolerances, or competitive situations.

Common error

Avoid using "a narrow margin between" when the difference is genuinely substantial or irrelevant. Ensure the context genuinely supports the idea of a small, but crucial, distinction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a narrow margin between" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or verb, adding detail about the relationship or distinction between two entities or concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable. Examples show its application across various domains.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a narrow margin between" is a grammatically sound and widely applicable expression used to describe a small but significant difference between two things. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While it's not the most frequent phrase, it's certainly valuable when emphasizing the criticality of a small distinction. When writing, remember that this expression is best employed when the slight difference carries significant weight. For alternative phrasings, consider "a fine line between" or "a slight difference between" to convey similar nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fine line between

Emphasizes the subtlety and delicacy of the distinction.

a slight difference between

Highlights the minimal nature of the variation.

a precarious balance between

Stresses the instability and risk involved.

a razor's edge between

Suggests a very sharp and dangerous dividing point.

a tightrope walk between

Implies a need for careful maneuvering and balance.

a slender divide between

Underscores the thinness and fragility of the separation.

a delicate equilibrium between

Focuses on the need for maintaining a sensitive state of balance.

a marginal distinction between

Indicates that the difference is barely significant.

a thin partition between

Highlights the relative lack of substance separating two items.

a close call between

Emphasizes the nearness of two outcomes, often one desirable and one undesirable.

FAQs

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

You can use "a narrow margin between" to describe situations where a small difference is significant, such as "There is "a narrow margin between" success and failure in this high-stakes environment."

What are some alternatives to saying "a narrow margin between"?

Alternatives include "a fine line between", "a slight difference between", or "a precarious balance between", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a narrow margin between" is appropriate for formal writing. It's grammatically correct and widely used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts.

What is the difference between "a narrow margin between" and "a wide margin between"?

"A narrow margin between" indicates a small, often critical, difference, while "a wide margin between" suggests a significant and comfortable separation.