by a notable margin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by a notable margin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant difference or advantage in a comparison, often in contexts like competition or statistics. Example: "The candidate won the election by a notable margin, securing over 60% of the votes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

He confirms a commitment to CO2 emissions per unit of the GDP by a "notable margin" by 2020 from 2005 levels.

The Guardian

He is due to pledge to cut CO2 emissions per unit of the GDP by a "notable margin" by 2020 from 2005 levels.

The Guardian

Hu Jintao said that his country would try to limit its emissions by a notable margin by 2020 by improving energy efficiency, but he set no target.

Encyclopedia Britannica

China pledged for the first time to reduce its emissions in proportion to GDP by a "notable margin", but gave no specifics.

The Economist

The closest it has come was at the UN summit in September, when the president, Hu Jintao, promised to reduce the carbon intensity of China's economy by a "notable margin" between 2005 and 2020.

The Guardian

During his speech to the United Nations, Hu coyly kept that figure close to his chest, saying only that China would reduce the quantity of its carbon emissions relative to GDP by a "notable margin".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

President Hu Jintao talked in New York about mandatory targets and said China will "endeavor to cut carbon dioxide emissions per unit by a 'notable margin' by 2020".

Huffington Post

In practice, only four were eliminated altogether and just 20 were cut by notable margins (often by less than the White House had recommended).

Forbes

President Hu announced at a UN summit last month that China would reduce energy intensity by "notable margins".

The Guardian

His work was noticed by Samuel May, a notable Boston abolitionist.

The New Yorker

The Argentine law has notable distinctions: it passed by a narrow margin and, as of now, applies to Argentine citizens only.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by a notable margin" to emphasize a significant difference or advantage, ensuring the context clearly establishes what is being compared.

Common error

Avoid using "by a notable margin" when the difference is small or statistically insignificant. Using it in such contexts can exaggerate the actual impact and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by a notable margin" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs and indicating the extent or degree to which an action or outcome exceeds another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests a significant difference or advantage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by a notable margin" is a versatile phrase used to underscore a significant difference or advantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical function is that of an adverbial phrase, typically employed to modify verbs and adjectives by adding emphasis to the margin or degree of change. It finds frequent application in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it leans toward professional and formal settings. Remember to avoid using it when the difference is insignificant to prevent misleading your audience. Instead, consider alternatives like ""by a significant degree"" or ""by a marked difference"" based on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by a significant degree

Replaces "margin" with "degree", focusing on the extent of the difference.

by a considerable extent

Substitutes "notable margin" with "considerable extent", emphasizing the size of the difference.

by a marked difference

Uses "marked difference" instead of "notable margin", highlighting the clear distinction.

by a wide gap

Replaces "margin" with "gap", suggesting a larger separation between values.

by a substantial amount

Focuses on the quantity of the difference, replacing "margin" with "amount".

by a clear lead

Implies a leading position with a significant advantage.

by a comfortable lead

Similar to 'clear lead', but suggests the lead is relatively safe and unthreatened.

by a decisive victory

Emphasizes a win that is clear and leaves no doubt.

by a convincing win

Highlights the persuasiveness of the victory.

by a healthy distance

Replaces "margin" with "distance", indicating a safe separation.

FAQs

How can I use "by a notable margin" in a sentence?

You can use "by a notable margin" to indicate a substantial difference or degree by which one thing exceeds another. For example, "The candidate won the election "by a notable margin"."

What are some alternatives to "by a notable margin"?

Alternatives include "by a significant degree", "by a considerable extent", or "by a marked difference", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "by a notable margin" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in reports, analyses, and academic papers, where a clear and impactful description of differences is required.

What's the difference between "by a notable margin" and "by a slight margin"?

"By a notable margin" indicates a significant difference, while "by a slight margin" suggests the difference is small or barely perceptible. The choice depends on the actual magnitude of the difference you are describing.