a narrow margin for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a narrow margin for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is little room for error or variation in a particular context. Example: "The team won the game by a narrow margin for error, making it a tense and exciting finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The measure passed 223 to 197, a narrow margin for a bill that has an impact on so many states.

The New York Times

Unlike the Heat, who had the luxury of an 82-game schedule to make adjustments, the Eagles, with 16 regular-season games, have a narrow margin for error.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He was among seven Republicans whose votes for Johnson's acquittal provided a narrow margin of victory for the president.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even so, wouldn't a narrow margin of victory for either side leave the question unsettled?

The Guardian

But in March, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new data showing that 10percentt of American women 16 to 49 -- roughly seven million -- already have mercury levels that are "within one-tenth of potentially hazardous levels, indicating a narrow margin of safety" for damage to fetuses.

The New York Times - Food

Limitations on available water in combination with a high proportion of poor soil nutrient supply leaves a narrow margin of management alternatives for the future especially when considering the already overwhelming proportion of the most drought tolerant Scots pine.

Forest Ecosystems

It wasn't that long ago, July 6, 2006 to be exact, that the Federal Electoral Institute (IFE) in Mexico announced the final vote count in the presidential election, resulting in a narrow margin of 0.58 percentage points of victory for right wing Felipe Calderón Hinojosa (PAN).

Huffington Post

By a narrow margin, Scotland qualified for the UEFA European Championship for the first time in 1992.

Wikipedia

As far as there is a consensus concerning the implementation of the new deal, the question of who is in power matters only up to a certain and limited extent, as the new deal leaves a rather narrow margin for free political will.

Huffington Post

By a narrow margin over Quagliarella's effort for Italy against Slovakia.

The Guardian - Sport

When the House considered the same bill in July, it voted, by a narrow margin, to clear the way for the new overtime rules.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a narrow margin for", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being limited. For example, "a narrow margin for error" implies minimal room for mistakes.

Common error

Avoid using "a narrow margin for" without specifying what aspect is being narrowly margined. For example, saying "There's a narrow margin" is vague; clarify with "There's a "narrow margin for" error" or "There's a "narrow margin for" negotiation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a narrow margin for" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, often implying limitation or restriction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples show it describing limited allowance for error, safety, or management alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a narrow margin for" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express limited allowance or scope within a specific context. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is accurate and common in written English. The phrase appears in news, science, and encyclopedia sources, and carries a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what aspect is being limited. While alternatives exist, "a narrow margin for" effectively conveys the sense of minimal room for error or variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minimal leeway for

Emphasizes the limited freedom to deviate, focusing on flexibility rather than the range of acceptable variation.

a limited scope for

Emphasizes the restriction in opportunity or action, altering the focus from the margin itself to the available space.

a small allowance for

Highlights the permitted amount or degree of something, changing the perspective to the permitted quantity.

a restricted range for

Highlights the limited scope or extent, changing the emphasis to the span between limits.

a tight boundary for

Focuses on the restrictive limit or edge, shifting the emphasis to the defined boundary instead of the margin.

a fine line for

Focuses on the delicate balance or distinction, shifting the emphasis to the need for precision.

a reduced capacity for

Indicates a diminished ability or potential, changing the context to capability instead of space for error.

a slim possibility for

Highlights the slight chance or likelihood, adjusting the emphasis to the probability of something occurring.

a negligible space for

Emphasizes the unimportance of the available space, changing the focus to the insignificance of the gap.

a scant room for

Highlights the inadequacy of available space, shifting the emphasis to the deficiency of the room.

FAQs

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

You can use "a narrow margin for" to describe situations where there is little room for error or deviation. For example, "The project succeeded, but with "a narrow margin for" unexpected costs".

What does "a narrow margin for" typically imply?

It typically implies that success or acceptability is achieved with minimal room for mistakes, variations, or unexpected events. It suggests a precarious or delicately balanced situation.

Which is more precise, "a narrow margin" or "a narrow margin for"?

"A narrow margin for" is generally more precise because it specifies what aspect is being limited. "A narrow margin" can be ambiguous without additional context. Use ""a narrow margin for" error", ""a narrow margin for" delay", etc.

What are some alternatives to "a narrow margin for"?

Alternatives include "limited scope for", "small allowance for", or "tight boundary for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.