gain edge over

USAGE SUMMARY

'gain edge over' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used as a phrasal verb to mean 'to have an advantage or superiority over someone or something'. Example: The company decided to invest more money in research and development in order to gain edge over its competitors.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Now trying to enter Macau and Singapore gaming markets; reportedly partnering with Universal in Singapore bid to gain edge over U.S. rivals.

Forbes

Began selling glyphosate, the main ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup herbicide, in 2001, soon after chemical went off patent in the U.S. Bought factory in Argentina to manufacture glyphosate, gain edge over competition.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The emerging social media with inherent capabilities seems to be gaining edge over comprehensiveness, diversity and wisdom, nevertheless its security and trustworthiness issues have also become increasingly serious, which need to be addressed urgently.

Future Generation Computer Systems

Bought Argentinean factory to manufacture chemical, gained edge over competition.

Forbes

Began selling glyphosate, the main ingredient in Monsanto 's Roundup herbicide, in 2001, soon after chemical went off-patent in U.S. Bought factory in Argentina to manufacture the chemical, gained edge over competition.

Forbes

You gain an edge over rivals only by doing something that they can't.

Harvard Business Review

However, with careful planning, businesses can use blockchain to gain an edge over rivals in a number of ways.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Some seek to leverage the new wave of services to differentiate themselves and gain an edge over competitors.

The New York Times - Tech

Osborne: 12 - Supposedly a Tory strongpoint, but he failed to gain an edge over Darling on this.

The Guardian

As the yuan slips in value, China's exports gain an edge over the goods of other countries.

The New York Times

Verizon has decided to invest in customer service to try to gain an edge over cable companies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone. "Gain edge over" can sound competitive; use alternative phrasings like "improve one's position relative to" for more neutral communication.

Common error

Avoid using "gain edge over" when the advantage is minor or insignificant. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility. Ensure the benefit is substantial enough to warrant this phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain edge over" functions as a phrasal verb expressing the action of acquiring a competitive advantage. It indicates an effort to improve one's position relative to others. Ludwig AI confirms its usage and meaning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gain edge over" describes the act of acquiring an advantage over someone or something, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a phrasal verb and is used to express strategic efforts to outperform competitors. While its register is generally neutral, it can lean towards professional contexts, particularly in discussions of business or strategic competition. Common alternatives include "secure an advantage over" and "gain the upper hand over". However, it’s important to ensure the advantage being described is significant enough to warrant the phrasing, avoiding overuse in trivial situations. Overall, understanding its appropriate usage and context is key to effectively communicating the concept of gaining a competitive advantage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain the upper hand over

Replaces "edge" with "upper hand", emphasizing control and dominance.

obtain a competitive advantage

More formal and business-oriented, highlighting the context of competition.

secure an advantage over

Replaces "gain edge" with "secure an advantage", focusing on the act of obtaining an advantage.

establish dominance over

Focuses on creating a strong position of control and influence.

achieve superiority over

Substitutes "gain edge" with "achieve superiority", emphasizing a state of being better.

get ahead of

An idiomatic expression that highlights the idea of progressing faster than others.

improve one's position relative to

A more analytical phrasing, focusing on relative improvement.

outstrip

A single-word verb that means to surpass or exceed, offering a more concise alternative.

move into a more favorable position than

Describes the act of transitioning to a better situation compared to others.

surpass

Similar to 'outstrip', but focuses on exceeding a limit or expectation rather than a competitor directly.

FAQs

How can I use "gain edge over" in a sentence?

You can use "gain edge over" to describe how a person, company, or entity achieves a beneficial advantage compared to others. For instance, "The company invested in new technology to "gain edge over" its competitors".

What are some alternatives to "gain edge over"?

Alternatives include "secure an advantage over", "gain the upper hand over", or "outstrip", each varying slightly in nuance and formality.

Is "gain edge over" suitable for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "obtain a competitive advantage" in professional or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "gain edge over" and "maintain edge over"?

"Gain edge over" implies acquiring a new advantage, while "maintain edge over" suggests preserving an existing one. For example, you might "gain edge over" rivals by innovating, then work to "maintain edge over" them through consistent quality.