by a substantial margin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by a substantial margin" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when you want to compare two or more things and there is a noticeable difference between them. For example, "The recent poll showed that the incumbent candidate won by a substantial margin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And wrong by a substantial margin.

The Guardian

The Council overrode the veto by a substantial margin.

The New Yorker

They exceeded their goals by a substantial margin.

Harvard Business Review

The researchers found that the cell-free DNA test outperformed AlloMap by a substantial margin.

Stanford University

In fact, the US remains the world's largest national economy by a substantial margin.

The Guardian - Business

Democrats will still control the House by a substantial margin through 2010.

The Guardian

Early returns showed that the measure losing by a substantial margin.

The New York Times

Mr. Ford beat him by a substantial margin and took the general election easily.

The New York Times

A third factor is that Zimbabweans support civilian rule and democracy by a substantial margin.

The Washington Post

Mr. Morgan lost to Mr. Cook in a previous race by a substantial margin.

The New York Times

The training "improved my P.B.'s by a substantial margin," he said, referring to personal bests, his best performances.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by a substantial margin" to clearly indicate a significant difference or lead, ensuring your audience understands the magnitude of the distinction. Avoid using it for trivial differences.

Common error

Avoid using "by a substantial margin" when the difference is minimal or statistically insignificant. Overstating a minor difference can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by a substantial margin" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the extent or degree of a difference or lead. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts to quantify significant differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by a substantial margin" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to highlight significant differences or leads. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted, particularly in formal contexts like news reporting, academic writing, and business communication. Its strength lies in its ability to clearly convey that a difference is not only present but also considerable. While alternatives like "by a considerable amount" exist, the core meaning remains consistent. When using this phrase, ensure the difference is truly substantial to maintain accuracy and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by a considerable amount

Replaces "margin" with "amount", focusing on the quantity of difference.

by a significant degree

Substitutes "margin" with "degree", highlighting the extent of the difference.

by a wide gap

Uses "gap" instead of "margin", emphasizing the space or interval between the compared items.

by a large extent

Replaces "margin" with "extent", stressing the scope or range of the difference.

by a significant lead

Emphasizes the leading position when the context involves competition or comparison.

by a comfortable lead

Implies an easily maintained lead or advantage.

by a noticeable difference

Highlights the perceptibility of the difference.

by a clear advantage

Indicates a distinct and obvious superiority.

by a considerable distance

Focuses on the spatial difference between two things

appreciably

Single-word alternative that conveys a noticeable degree or amount.

FAQs

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

Use "by a substantial margin" to emphasize a significant difference or lead. For instance, "The new product outsold the competition "by a substantial margin"".

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

Alternatives include "by a considerable amount", "by a significant degree", or "by a wide gap", depending on the specific context you're describing.

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

Yes, "by a substantial margin" is suitable for formal writing as it clearly and professionally indicates a significant difference. Its usage is supported by examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist.

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

"By a substantial margin" indicates a notable and significant difference, while "by a slight margin" suggests a minimal difference. Using the correct phrase is crucial for accurately conveying the magnitude of the difference.