a slim majority

USAGE SUMMARY

'a slim majority' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means a narrow or small winning margin. For example: The new mayor won the election by a slim majority.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A slim majority is in favour.

The Economist

He won with a slim majority.

The New York Times

Overall, non-Islamist candidates captured a slim majority.

The Economist

In the 2000 census, whites held a slim majority.

Independent

Vouchers were more controversial, favoured by a slim majority.

The Economist

But it has a slim majority and is weak.

The Economist

The opposition has only a slim majority in parliament.

The Economist

Republicans have a slim majority in the chamber.

The Washington Post

A slim majority of Republican voters want to remain.

The Guardian

Overwhelming majority Previously known as a "slim majority".

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet the government has only a slim majority.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slim majority", consider providing specific numbers or percentages to quantify just how narrow the margin is. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a slim majority" to describe situations where the majority is actually quite substantial. This can mislead your audience and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slim majority" functions as a noun phrase, modifying another noun or pronoun to describe the nature of the majority. It characterizes the majority as being small or narrow, often in contexts involving votes, opinions, or control.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slim majority" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a situation where one side has won by a small margin. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is deemed correct and usable. Its frequent use in news media, formal business contexts, and even scientific literature underscores its versatility. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide context, such as specific numbers or percentages, to accurately depict the narrow margin. While alternatives like "a narrow margin" and "a slight advantage" exist, "a slim majority" remains a precise and effective way to convey the closeness of a result.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a narrow margin

Emphasizes the closeness of the difference.

a slight advantage

Highlights the small degree of superiority.

a marginal victory

Indicates a win by a very small amount.

a close result

Focuses on the tight nature of the outcome.

a small lead

Highlights a minimal amount of advantage.

a thin edge

Conveys the idea of barely having the upper hand.

a hair's breadth

Suggests a very small distance or difference.

a whisker away

Indicates being very close to a particular outcome.

a touch ahead

Highlights a minimal advantage in the lead.

a shade better

Implies a minimal degree of superiority or improvement.

FAQs

How can I use "a slim majority" in a sentence?

You can use "a slim majority" to describe situations where the winning side has just over 50% of the votes or support. For instance, "The bill passed with "a slim majority" in the Senate."

What's the difference between "a slim majority" and "a landslide victory"?

"A slim majority" indicates a narrow win, while "a landslide victory" signifies an overwhelming win with a significant margin. They are opposites in terms of the scale of victory.

What can I say instead of "a slim majority"?

You can use alternatives like "a narrow margin", "a slight advantage", or "a marginal victory depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a slim majority" in formal writing?

Yes, "a slim majority" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing election results, poll data, or statistical findings. It's a neutral and informative phrase.