by a significant margin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by a significant margin" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is significantly larger or greater than something else. For example, "The company's profits increased by a significant margin over the previous year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And by a significant margin, too.

The Washington Post

The earnings beat Wall Street's forecast by a significant margin.

The New York Times

Wilders lost his 2017 political bid by a significant margin.

The Washington Post

His approval today is underwater by a significant margin.

The Washington Post

How is that possible?" Apple is already the world's largest company, by a significant margin.

The New York Times

ANNE MAKINEN of Notre Dame was the women's winner by a significant margin.

The New York Times - Sports

Demand for items such as fridges and cars fell by a significant margin last month.

The Guardian - Business

(Clinton won by a significant margin, but those votes were counted hours later).

The New Yorker

Europe now stands a good chance of outpacing its economic rival by a significant margin.

The New York Times

Worldwide, record highs have exceeded record cold by a significant margin.

The Guardian

American Sniper is director Eastwood's biggest debut by a significant margin.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by a significant margin", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared. For example, specify which figures, groups, or items are being contrasted to highlight the extent of the difference.

Common error

While "by a significant margin" is appropriate in many situations, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases may be more suitable to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by a significant margin" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the extent or degree to which something exceeds or differs from something else. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by a significant margin" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize a substantial difference between two things. Ludwig AI identifies it as correct and common across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context makes clear what is being compared to avoid ambiguity. While generally suitable for formal and neutral writing, consider simpler alternatives in casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by a considerable degree

This alternative replaces 'margin' with 'degree', emphasizing the extent of difference.

by a substantial amount

Replaces 'margin' with 'amount', highlighting the quantity of difference.

by a wide difference

This option substitutes 'significant margin' with 'wide difference', focusing on the breadth of the disparity.

by a large extent

Replaces 'margin' with 'extent', indicating the range of the difference.

considerably more than

Expresses a greater quantity or degree without explicitly using 'margin'.

markedly greater than

This phrase stresses the noticeable difference between two things.

appreciably higher than

Emphasizes that the difference is easily perceived or measured.

to a notable degree

Focuses on the remarkableness or worthiness of attention of the difference.

by a healthy lead

Implies a comfortable and secure advantage.

by a comfortable lead

Highlights the ease and security of the advantage.

FAQs

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

You can use "by a significant margin" to show that one thing is considerably larger or greater than another. For example: "The company's profits increased "by a significant margin" this year".

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

Some alternatives include "by a considerable degree", "by a substantial amount", or "by a wide difference" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "significant margin" or "considerable margin"?

Both "significant margin" and "considerable margin" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on personal preference and the specific context. "Significant" emphasizes importance, while "considerable" highlights the amount or degree.

Can "by a significant margin" be used in formal and informal writing?

"By a significant margin" is suitable for both formal and neutral writing. In more casual writing, consider using simpler alternatives to maintain a natural tone.