a significant edge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant edge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a notable advantage or benefit in a competitive context, such as business, sports, or technology. Example: "Our new marketing strategy gives us a significant edge over our competitors in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But they have a significant edge in terms of plant flexibility.

The Economist

As one of the biggest such administrators, Fidelity has a significant edge in attracting money.

The New York Times

The necessity in such regional cooking to use fresh ingredients and cook from scratch, gives these venues a significant edge.

The Guardian - Travel

But Cook, universally respected by his peers, has, one suspects, a significant edge over his Ashes rival Clarke here.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. McDonnell begins the general election campaign with a significant edge in money, largely because he faced no primary opposition.

The New York Times

"They still have significant resources, a significant network of supporters and a significant edge in voter enrollment in the county.

The New York Times

Whoever has the best touch on and around the greens will enjoy a significant edge, Mickelson said.

The New York Times - Sports

It is one of a handful of universities that field more than 30 teams, which gives it a significant edge.

The New York Times - Sports

If your operating costs remain fixed while output increases, you can gain a significant edge because you can offer your product at lower cost without sacrificing margins.

The New York Times

One area where Slacker offered a significant edge was how it could work even when my smartphone had no cell connection at all.

The New York Times - Tech

Party control of the nation's state legislatures is also sharply divided, giving neither Republicans nor Democrats a significant edge in the overall process.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant edge", clearly specify what area or aspect the advantage applies to for better clarity. For instance, "a significant edge in market share".

Common error

Avoid using "a significant edge" when the advantage is minor or negligible. Overstating the benefit can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant edge" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a verb, or as a complement describing a competitive advantage. Ludwig confirms its common usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a significant edge" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a notable advantage. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. Its usage indicates a neutral to professional register, suitable for formal communication. While alternatives like "a considerable advantage" exist, "a significant edge" effectively conveys a competitive superiority. When using the phrase, ensure the advantage is genuinely noteworthy to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable advantage

Replaces 'significant' with 'considerable', emphasizing the substantial nature of the advantage.

a notable advantage

Substitutes 'significant' with 'notable', highlighting the remarkableness of the advantage.

a distinct advantage

Emphasizes the clear and easily recognizable nature of the advantage.

a substantial lead

Replaces 'edge' with 'lead', suggesting a position ahead of others.

a marked superiority

Conveys a clear and evident state of being better than others.

a competitive advantage

Highlights the benefit in a competitive environment.

a decisive advantage

Indicates that the advantage is crucial and likely to determine the outcome.

a commanding lead

Suggests a strong and dominant position ahead of others.

a strategic advantage

Emphasizes that the advantage is part of a deliberate plan or strategy.

an upper hand

An idiomatic expression meaning to have control or advantage.

FAQs

How can I use "a significant edge" in a sentence?

You can use "a significant edge" to describe a clear advantage. For instance: "Their innovative technology gave them "a significant edge" over their competitors".

What's a good alternative to "a significant edge"?

Alternatives include "a considerable advantage", "a notable advantage", or "a distinct advantage". Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

Is it better to say "significant advantage" or "significant edge"?

Both "significant advantage" and "significant edge" are correct and usable, but "edge" often implies a more competitive or subtle advantage. Consider the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to have "a significant edge"?

Having "a significant edge" means possessing a considerable advantage that noticeably improves one's chances of success or superiority in a particular situation.