by a narrow margin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by a narrow margin" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a close race, election, or other competition where the result was close or uncertain. For example, "The candidate won by a narrow margin, leading only by a few hundred votes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

She won by a narrow margin.

The New York Times - Arts

The quota system was retained by a narrow margin.

The New Yorker

I expect a Liberal win by a narrow margin.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unfortunately the budget was defeated by a narrow margin.

The New York Times

He was reelected in 1998 by a narrow margin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now, the Republicans control the Senate by a narrow margin.

The New York Times

Mr. Romney won the nation's suburbs by a narrow margin.

The New York Times

The Brady amendment was also approved by a narrow margin – 317 to 301.

Yale University

By a narrow margin, the villagers turned their play over to Mr. Stuckl.

The New York Times

When Republicans took control, by a narrow margin, the Democrats began using the threat of filibusters.

The New York Times

Though he was re-elected in 1964, he lost by a narrow margin in 1966.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by a narrow margin" to emphasize the closeness of a result, particularly in competitive situations like elections or sports events. This highlights the uncertainty and tension involved.

Common error

Avoid using "by a narrow margin" when the difference is substantial. This phrase is appropriate only when the difference is relatively small and could have easily gone the other way.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by a narrow margin" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how something occurred. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in numerous examples, highlighting its role in specifying the closeness of a result or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by a narrow margin" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to describe close outcomes in various situations. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in news, academia, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context genuinely reflects a close difference, as misinterpreting the scale is a common error. Alternatives such as ""by a slim margin"" or "just barely" can be used to add subtle variations in meaning. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by a slim margin

Replaces "narrow" with "slim", emphasizing the smallness of the difference.

by a hair's breadth

Uses an idiom to convey the idea of a very small difference.

by a whisker

Another idiomatic expression indicating a close outcome.

just barely

Combines "just" and "barely" for added emphasis on the minimal difference.

barely

A shorter adverbial form conveying minimal success.

by a nose

Uses a racing analogy to describe a slight victory.

by the skin of one's teeth

An idiomatic expression emphasizing a near failure, before eventual success.

by a close call

Highlights the element of risk or uncertainty involved.

by a fraction

Highlights the smallness of the winning quantity, expressed as a fraction.

with little to spare

Emphasizes the lack of excess or surplus in the outcome.

FAQs

How to use "by a narrow margin" in a sentence?

You can use "by a narrow margin" to describe situations where someone wins, succeeds, or is approved with only a small lead or a small number of votes. For instance, "The bill passed "by a slim margin"."

What can I say instead of "by a narrow margin"?

You can use alternatives like ""by a slim margin"", "by a hair's breadth", or "just barely" depending on the context. Each alternative emphasizes the closeness of the outcome.

Which is correct, "by a narrow margin" or "with a narrow margin"?

"By a narrow margin" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "With a narrow margin" is grammatically correct but less frequently used. The former emphasizes the action or result, while the latter emphasizes the state or condition.

What's the difference between "by a narrow margin" and "by a wide margin"?

"By a narrow margin" indicates a close outcome, while "by a wide margin" indicates a significant difference or lead. The terms are antonyms, representing opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of the scale of difference.