fine margins

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fine margins" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a very small difference between two things or situations. For example: "The vote was very close, with the winner only taking the majority by fine margins."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fine margins, punishing consequences.

The New York Times - Sports

Fine margins at this level".

The Guardian - Sport

It is all about fine margins.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's very fine margins," Murray said.

The Guardian - Sport

There was the old story about "fine margins".

Independent

"I've learned there are fine margins between success and failure.

The Guardian

But on such fine margins is the Hour record balanced.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead Lazio were the ones left ruing fine margins.

The Guardian - Sport

Whatever the truth, on such fine margins are matches decided.

The Guardian - Sport

But at this level, it's the fine margins.

The Guardian - Sport

"These are the fine margins," Kevin Ball, the caretaker Sunderland manager, said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing competitive situations, especially in sports or business, use "fine margins" to underscore how seemingly insignificant factors can determine the final result.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "fine margins" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. There are simpler expressions like "small difference" that may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fine margins" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As supported by Ludwig, it describes situations where minimal differences have significant impacts, frequently in competitive scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fine margins" is a noun phrase used to highlight that small differences can lead to significant outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and sports contexts. Alternatives include "slim differences" or "slight variations", depending on the context. When writing, use "fine margins" to underscore the importance of details in competitive scenarios and be aware of its predominantly formal register. This phrase is a very common expression across various authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slim differences

Emphasizes that the differences are not only small but also slender or thin.

slight variations

Focuses on the small changes or deviations between things.

razor's edge

Highlights the precarious nature of a situation, where a tiny shift can lead to a different outcome.

close call

Indicates a situation where the outcome was uncertain and nearly went the other way.

narrow gap

Stresses the limited space or distance separating success and failure.

delicate balance

Suggests that the situation requires careful management to maintain equilibrium.

paper-thin difference

Highlights how extremely small and insignificant the difference seems.

subtle distinction

Emphasizes the requirement of sharp perception to see a difference that is not immediately obvious.

hair's breadth

This alternative emphasizes the proximity to an alternative event had it gone the other way.

nuances

Draws attention to the subtle and often overlooked details that can make a big difference.

FAQs

How can I use "fine margins" in a sentence?

You can use "fine margins" to describe situations where small differences have significant consequences. For example, "The election was decided by "fine margins", with only a few hundred votes separating the candidates."

What's the difference between "fine margins" and "small differences"?

"Fine margins" typically implies that these small differences have a significant impact, often determining success or failure. "Small differences" is a more general term and doesn't necessarily carry the same weight.

What can I say instead of "fine margins"?

Alternatives include "slim differences", "slight variations", or "razor's edge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "fine margins" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "fine margins" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in reports, analyses, and journalistic contexts, where precision and impact are important.