a small margin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small margin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a slight difference or gap in measurements, scores, or other quantifiable aspects. Example: "The team won the game by a small margin, securing their place in the playoffs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There's such a small margin of error".

The New York Times - Sports

We had a small margin to begin with.

The New York Times - Sports

Both could still lose by a small margin.

The New Yorker

There's a small margin of profit on those items".

The New York Times - Tech

It wasn't quite enough by a small margin".

The Guardian - Sport

Those 11 seats may seem like a small margin.

The Guardian

Perhaps Mussina is perturbed about having such a small margin for error.

The New York Times - Sports

Quarterback Kerry Collins is presiding over an offensive operation with a small margin for error.

The New York Times - Sports

It is incontestable that the Brexiteers won the referendum, albeit by a small margin.

The Guardian - Opinion

The winner by a small margin (9.59percentto9.26percentcent) was the target-date fund.

The New York Times

Both parties had spoken earlier about a recount if a candidate lost by a small margin.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing statistical data, use "a small margin" to highlight minimal differences between sets of results. For instance, "The survey indicated a preference for Candidate A over Candidate B by "a small margin".

Common error

Avoid using "a small margin" when the difference is statistically significant or practically meaningful. If the margin impacts outcomes, quantify its effect directly rather than downplaying it with "a small margin".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small margin" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It quantifies the extent of the "margin", indicating that it is not large or substantial. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its descriptive role in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

19%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small margin" is a versatile phrase used to describe a slight difference or narrow range. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, consider alternatives like "a narrow difference" or "a slight edge" depending on the nuance you want to convey. Avoid overstating the significance of the "margin" if it's truly minimal. Remember, the phrase is suitable for formal writing and conveys a precise meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a narrow difference

Emphasizes the closeness of the gap or distinction.

a slight edge

Suggests a minimal advantage or lead.

a close gap

Highlights the proximity between two values or entities.

a tight spread

Indicates that values are closely clustered together.

a slim lead

Suggests a small advantage in a competitive context.

a marginal advantage

Highlights that an advantage is not large or substantial.

a negligible difference

Implies that the difference is so small as to be almost insignificant.

a hairline fracture

Used metaphorically to convey a very subtle gap.

a fine distinction

Emphasizes a subtle contrast.

an imperceptible variation

Points to a difference so minute that it is difficult to detect.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small margin" to describe a slight difference or advantage. For example: "The team won by "a small margin"." or "There's only "a small margin" for error."

What's a good alternative to "a small margin"?

Alternatives include "a slight edge", "a slim lead", or "a narrow difference", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a small margin" in formal writing?

Yes, "a small margin" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing data, statistics, or competitive results. The phrase is widely understood and conveys a precise meaning in such contexts.

What's the difference between "a small margin" and "a large margin"?

"A small margin" indicates a slight difference or minimal advantage, while "a large margin" implies a significant or substantial difference. Therefore, they are antonyms representing opposite ends of a spectrum.