at an advantage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at an advantage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has a favorable position or benefit over others. Example: "In negotiations, having prior knowledge of the other party's needs puts you at an advantage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This puts bright students at an advantage.

The Guardian

- or would the Poles be at an advantage?

The Guardian - Sport

Afranius, no longer at an advantage, retired toward the Ebro.

Britannica

Applicants are not at an advantage or disadvantage based on the application they choose.

Princeton University

So [00 07 30] knowing the numbers is at an advantage.

Columbia University

"When institutions have the power to keep information hidden, they remain at an advantage.

The Guardian

That numbness puts proponents of unfettered gun rights at an advantage.

The New Yorker

Surfing experience can be helpful but water-skiers are not necessarily at an advantage.

The New York Times - Travel

"People making music about the masses and chronicling the street stories are actually at an advantage.

The Guardian

Proper breathing is a habit that puts the swimming runner at an advantage.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Right now, we're not at an advantage here, we're at a disadvantage.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at an advantage" to emphasize a competitive edge or a beneficial circumstance that provides a higher likelihood of success.

Common error

Avoid using "at an advantage" without specifying the area or aspect where the advantage applies. For example, instead of saying "They are at an advantage", specify "They are at an advantage in terms of funding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at an advantage" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating a state of being in a beneficial or superior position. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at an advantage" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a state of being in a beneficial or superior position, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It frequently appears in news and media, as well as academic contexts, indicating its broad applicability. When using this phrase, it's important to specify the area or aspect where the advantage applies to maintain clarity. Related phrases include "in a favorable position" and "having the upper hand". Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and effective communication. Ludwig's examples demonstrate the diverse contexts in which this phrase can be effectively employed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a favorable position

This alternative focuses on the state of being well-placed, rather than the direct benefit.

in a beneficial situation

Emphasizes the positive circumstances surrounding the subject, highlighting opportunity.

having the upper hand

Suggests control and dominance, which can be a component of having an advantage.

in a leading position

Focuses on being ahead or in front, often implying a competitive context.

holding a strategic advantage

Highlights planning and deliberate positioning for success, focusing on strategy.

possessing an edge

Highlights a slight but significant benefit.

in a prime spot

Implies being ideally located or situated for a particular purpose.

in a superior situation

Focuses on the elevated quality or status of the situation.

enjoying a privileged position

Suggests that the advantage is due to special rights or opportunities not available to everyone.

in an advantageous circumstance

Formal way of saying that the situation is good to reach an objective.

FAQs

How can I use "at an advantage" in a sentence?

You can use "at an advantage" to describe a situation where someone or something has a better chance of success or a beneficial position compared to others. For example: "Having prior experience puts you "at an advantage" during the interview process".

What are some alternatives to "at an advantage"?

Some alternatives to "at an advantage" include "in a favorable position", "having the upper hand", or "in a beneficial situation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "at a advantage" instead of "at an advantage"?

No, it is not correct. The correct phrase is "at an advantage" because "advantage" starts with a vowel sound, requiring the indefinite article "an" instead of "a".

What is the difference between being "at an advantage" and being "at a disadvantage"?

Being "at an advantage" means having a favorable position or a higher likelihood of success, while being at a disadvantage means having an unfavorable position or a lower likelihood of success due to certain factors or circumstances.