a significant margin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant margin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a noticeable difference or gap between two quantities, often in contexts like competition, performance, or results. Example: "The candidate won the election by a significant margin, securing over 60% of the votes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And by a significant margin, too.

The Washington Post

The earnings beat Wall Street's forecast by a significant margin.

The New York Times

"There's a significant margin of safety in our portfolio".

The New York Times

Wilders lost his 2017 political bid by a significant margin.

The Washington Post

His approval today is underwater by a significant margin.

The Washington Post

How is that possible?" Apple is already the world's largest company, by a significant margin.

The New York Times

ANNE MAKINEN of Notre Dame was the women's winner by a significant margin.

The New York Times - Sports

Demand for items such as fridges and cars fell by a significant margin last month.

The Guardian - Business

(Clinton won by a significant margin, but those votes were counted hours later).

The New Yorker

Europe now stands a good chance of outpacing its economic rival by a significant margin.

The New York Times

Worldwide, record highs have exceeded record cold by a significant margin.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a significant margin" to emphasize not just a win or difference, but the substantial degree to which it exists. For a subtle difference, other words might be better.

Common error

Don't use "a significant margin" for minor differences. Reserve it for situations where the difference is truly substantial and impactful. Using it for trivial differences can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant margin" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically describing the extent of a difference, lead, or victory. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples where the phrase clearly indicates a substantial gap.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant margin" is a versatile phrase used to describe a substantial difference or advantage. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and very common in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it can be used in formal settings, it maintains a generally neutral tone. Remember to use it accurately, reserving it for truly substantial differences to avoid weakening your writing. Alternatives like "a considerable difference" or "a substantial lead" can be considered for nuanced contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial lead

Implies a position of advantage, often in a competition.

a noticeable advantage

Emphasizes the benefit gained, making the difference apparent.

a comfortable lead

Suggests that the lead is large enough to ensure security or ease.

a considerable difference

Focuses on the difference itself rather than the context of winning or losing.

a considerable edge

Highlights an advantage that is both significant and beneficial.

a decisive victory

Highlights the conclusive nature of the win and the extent of the advantage.

a wide gap

Highlights the space or interval between two points or values.

a clear distinction

Emphasizes the obvious and easily perceived difference.

a marked disparity

Stresses the inequality or difference, often in a negative context.

a healthy surplus

Indicates an excess or profit that is more than adequate.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant margin" to describe a substantial difference in quantities, scores, or other measurable metrics. For example: "The team won the game by a significant margin" or "The company's profits exceeded expectations by a significant margin".

What are some alternatives to "a significant margin"?

You can use alternatives like "a considerable difference", "a substantial lead", or "a wide gap" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a significant margin"?

Use "a significant margin" when you want to emphasize that the difference is not just present, but also considerably large or important. It's suitable when the scale of the difference has noteworthy implications.

Is there a difference between "a significant margin" and "a slight margin"?

Yes, "a significant margin" indicates a notable and considerable difference, whereas "a slight margin" suggests a small and barely noticeable difference. They are opposites in terms of the scale they represent.