by a wide margin

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize that something was done by a greater degree than something else. Example: "Jane won the race by a wide margin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

By a wide margin, they said no.

The New York Times

Fortunately we beat them by a wide margin".

The Guardian - Sport

It was defeated in March by a wide margin.

The New York Times

The Legislature approved the lawsuit provision by a wide margin.

The New York Times

remains the predominant political party by a wide margin.

The New Yorker

Supporters of the amendment outspent opponents by a wide margin.

The New York Times

New Zealand was ahead, but not by a wide margin.

The New York Times - Sports

Cuomo ran, and won by a wide margin.

The New Yorker

The results missed Wall Street's expectations by a wide margin.

The New York Times

They lead the league in hits by a wide margin.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In Ohio, Clinton won this group by a wide margin of 69percentto28percentcent.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by a wide margin" to clearly indicate a significant difference or advantage, ensuring the context supports this emphasis on scale. For example, "The survey results favored the new policy by a wide margin, indicating strong public support."

Common error

Avoid using "by a wide margin" when the difference is actually quite small or negligible. Overstating the difference can undermine your credibility. Instead, use more accurate language to reflect the true extent of the difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by a wide margin" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the extent or degree of an action or state. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase enhances the description of results, victories, or differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by a wide margin" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize a substantial difference or lead. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, especially in news and media, as well as encyclopedic and wiki entries. While "by a wide margin" is suitable for formal writing, ensure the emphasis on scale aligns with the true context to maintain credibility. Remember, this phrase should only be used if the difference is significant. Several alternatives exist, such as "by a considerable degree" or "significantly", offering nuanced ways to express similar meanings. "By a wide margin" effectively communicates a large difference, solidifying its place in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by a substantial difference

Focuses on the difference being large or important.

by a considerable degree

Replaces "margin" with "degree", emphasizing the extent of difference.

by a significant extent

Substitutes "margin" with "extent", highlighting the substantial amount or degree.

by a large amount

Replaces "margin" with "amount", quantifying the difference.

by a comfortable lead

Implies an easy or secure advantage.

overwhelmingly

Highlights a very strong or irresistible effect or influence.

significantly

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the difference.

by far

A shorter phrase highlighting a considerable distinction.

decisively

A single word conveying a conclusive and clear result.

easily

Suggests that something was achieved without much difficulty.

FAQs

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

Use "by a wide margin" to emphasize a significant difference or lead. For example, "The incumbent senator won the election "by a wide margin"", indicating a clear victory.

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

You can use alternatives like "by a considerable degree", "significantly", or "overwhelmingly" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "by a wide margin" is suitable for formal writing as it clearly and effectively communicates a substantial difference. However, ensure the context warrants such emphasis.

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

"By a wide margin" indicates a large difference, while "by a narrow margin" suggests a small difference. They are antonyms used to describe the size of a lead or difference.