by one point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by one point" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts such as sports or competitions to indicate a narrow margin of victory or difference. Example: "The team won the game by one point, securing their place in the finals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They trail the Ligue 1 leaders, Lyon, who travel to Lorient on Sunday, by one point.

The Guardian - Sport

On May 1st-2nd the Green Party topped the Lib Dems by one point.

The Guardian

South Africa by one point Why?

The Guardian - Sport

Your team is down by one point.

The New York Times

Trump carried the state by one point.

The New Yorker

They now lead Italy by one point after six matches.

The Guardian - Sport

In December the Conservatives were ahead by one point.

The Guardian

The Rapids are trailing Dallas by one point but have two games in hand.

The Guardian - Sport

James finished third and won the title by one point, which was good for him.

The Guardian - Sport

One I passed by one point — but I had my license and was off and running.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Both her statehouse victories came by one-point margins over weak opponents.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by one point" to clearly and concisely indicate a minimal difference in scores or values, especially in contexts where precision is important. For emphasis, consider pairing with adjectives like "slim" or adverbs like "just".

Common error

Avoid using "by one point" in highly informal settings where idiomatic expressions like "by a hair" or "by a whisker" might be more appropriate. The phrase is generally neutral but can sound slightly out of place in very casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by one point" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to specify the margin of victory, defeat, or difference in a numerical context. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by one point" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase to express a minimal difference in numerical results, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is versatile, appearing in news, scientific reports, and general writing with a neutral tone. While idiomatic alternatives exist for informal contexts, "by one point" offers precision, making it suitable for conveying the closeness of outcomes in various competitive and comparative scenarios. Remember to use it in contexts where precise numerical differences are important. Common errors involve using it inappropriately in informal settings where idiomatic expressions are more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by a single point

Emphasizes the narrowness of the margin, using "single" to highlight the minimal difference.

with a minimal lead

Directly states that the lead was very small.

by a slim margin

Indicates a small difference in a straightforward manner.

by a hair's breadth

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the closeness of the margin.

by the narrowest of margins

Highlights the minimal difference using a more formal and descriptive tone.

by a whisker

Similar to "by a hair's breadth", this is an idiomatic way to express a very close margin.

by the skin of one's teeth

This idiom emphasizes that success was achieved with extreme difficulty and only just barely.

by a nose

Typically used in racing contexts, this idiom suggests a very slight lead or victory.

just barely

Focuses on the fact that the victory or difference was achieved with minimal effort or advantage.

only just

Highlights the marginal nature of the victory or difference.

FAQs

How is "by one point" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "by one point" is used to indicate a very small margin of difference, often in competitive contexts. For example, "The team won the championship "by one point"."

What are some alternatives to saying "by one point"?

Alternatives include "by a single point", "by a slim margin", or "by a hair's breadth", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it correct to say "won by one point" or "won with one point"?

"Won by one point" is the grammatically correct and more commonly used phrasing. "Won with one point" is less standard and might sound awkward.

Can "by one point" be used in contexts other than sports or games?

Yes, while common in sports, "by one point" can also describe minimal differences in polls, surveys, or any situation where numerical comparisons are made. For instance, "The candidate led in the polls "by one point"."