get an edge

USAGE SUMMARY

"get an edge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when talking about gaining an advantage or a benefit over someone or something else. For example: "Being organized helped me to get an edge over my coworkers in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How can I get an edge?

The Washington Post

"They're always looking for ways to get an edge.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I think we need to get an edge," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Szczerbiak said: "Maybe Vince was trying to get an edge.

The New York Times - Sports

Chris is one of the most difficult people to get an edge on, if you can get an edge at all.

The New Yorker

He did so, he told the jury, "to get an edge on a company".

The New York Times

These traders can get an edge by obtaining market data even milliseconds before their rivals.

The New York Times

A finance worker, studying during his vacation, wanted to get an edge in the office.

The New Yorker

What a great place … It's a great place to start!"; and "Get an Edge on Life".

The New York Times

To get an edge, stores put signs in the window promising: "Real Merchandise, Guaranteed".

The New Yorker

Some entrepreneurs say regulation of technology giants could help them get an edge.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "get an edge", be specific about the area where you seek improvement. For instance, instead of generally wanting to "get an edge", focus on areas like 'negotiation skills' or 'market analysis' to refine your approach and resource allocation.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of your "edge". Presenting a minor advantage as a game-changing factor can undermine your credibility. Ensure your claims are proportionate to the actual benefit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get an edge" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of gaining an advantage or a competitive benefit. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

24%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

5%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get an edge" signifies gaining an advantage, a notion frequently appearing in diverse contexts from sports to business. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical structure is correct and widely accepted. The phrase is most commonly found in "News & Media" but also has significant presence in "Formal & Business" settings. To enhance your use of this phrase, focus on specifying where you seek an advantage rather than using the phrase in a general sense. While "get an edge" is about improving your position, it's vital to keep your approach ethical and claims realistic. This ensures your strategies are both effective and credible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain an advantage

Focuses on the general act of obtaining a benefit.

achieve an advantage

Highlights the successful attainment of a beneficial position.

secure a competitive advantage

Emphasizes outperforming rivals in a business setting.

find an advantage

Focuses on discovering or identifying a beneficial element.

obtain a leg up

Suggests a boost or initial advantage, often in an informal setting.

get ahead

Implies making progress or surpassing others, often in career or social contexts.

gain the upper hand

Signifies control or dominance in a situation or relationship.

exploit an opportunity

Stresses taking active steps to benefit from favorable circumstances.

capitalize on a strength

Highlights using one's strengths for maximum benefit.

outsmart the competition

Implies gaining an advantage through superior intelligence or strategy.

FAQs

How can I use "get an edge" in a sentence?

You can use "get an edge" to describe gaining an advantage or benefit. For example: "Studying consistently helped her "get an edge" in the exams."

What are some alternatives to "get an edge"?

Alternatives include "gain an advantage", "secure a competitive advantage", or "obtain a leg up", depending on the context.

Is it always ethical to try to "get an edge"?

While striving to "get an edge" is common, it's important to ensure your methods are ethical and legal. Avoid actions that could be considered cheating or unfair competition.

What's the difference between "get an edge" and "get an edge over"?

"Get an edge" generally means to gain an advantage, while "get an edge over" specifically means to gain an advantage compared to someone or something else.