by a slim margin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by a slim margin" is correct and quite commonly used in written English.
It is often used to indicate a small amount of difference between two competing things. For example, "He won the race by a slim margin of three seconds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That measure passed by a slim margin.

The New York Times

Mr. Wellstone won by a slim margin.

The New York Times

o Stockholder approval was by a slim margin.

Columbia University

The state law was enacted by a slim margin.

The New York Times

She lost the election by a slim margin.

The New York Times

And Parliament passed it by a slim margin.

The New York Times

She won Indiana by a slim margin, 51%to49%9%.

The Guardian

The machinists accepted the plan by a slim margin.

The New York Times

The botched convention helped him lose the presidency by a slim margin.

The New York Times

Smart beat sentimental at the weekend box office, albeit by a slim margin.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The scraped-in-by-a-slim-margin politician, having taken office, still won power.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by a slim margin", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being measured or compared. For example, specify whether it refers to votes, points, or percentages to provide clarity for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "by a slim margin" when the actual difference is substantial, even if it appears small relative to the total. For instance, a 5% difference in a national election, while seemingly small, can represent millions of votes and a significant shift in political power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by a slim margin" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the extent or degree to which something was achieved or decided. It provides context about the narrowness of a victory, defeat, or difference. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science & Research

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by a slim margin" is a grammatically correct and versatile adverbial phrase used to describe situations where outcomes are decided by a small difference. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears most frequently in news and media, but is also common in academic and encyclopedic contexts. To enhance clarity, ensure the context specifies what is being measured. While alternatives like "by a narrow victory" or "just barely" exist, "by a slim margin" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by a narrow victory

Focuses on the outcome being a victory, emphasizing its narrowness.

by a scant amount

Replaces 'slim' with 'scant' to denote a small quantity.

with a paper-thin lead

Uses 'paper-thin' to illustrate the insignificance of the margin.

by a hair's breadth

Uses a more figurative expression to convey how small the margin was.

by a whisker

Another idiomatic way of saying that something was achieved or avoided by a very small amount.

by the skin of one's teeth

An idiomatic expression suggesting a very narrow escape or win.

by a slender thread

Emphasizes the fragility and precariousness of the win or lead.

just barely

Simplifies the phrase to an adverbial expression, indicating minimal success.

by a close shave

Similar to 'by the skin of one's teeth', implying a near miss.

with little to spare

Highlights the lack of excess or room for error in the outcome.

FAQs

What does "by a slim margin" mean?

The phrase "by a slim margin" means that something was achieved, won, or decided by a very small amount or difference. It indicates that the outcome was close and could have easily gone the other way.

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

You can use alternatives like "by a narrow victory", "just barely", or "by a close shave" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "slim margin" or "narrow margin"?

Both "slim margin" and "narrow margin" are correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. Both are widely accepted and understood.

How do you use "by a slim margin" in a sentence?

You can use "by a slim margin" to describe the result of an election, a sporting event, or any situation where there's a small difference in outcome. For example: "The bill passed in Congress "by a slim margin"," or "Our team won the game "by a slim margin"."