gives an edge

USAGE SUMMARY

'gives an edge' is a valid, commonly used phrase in written English and is used to describe something that gives someone or something an advantage or a competitive or strategic advantage.
For example, "The extra training he received from his coach gives him an edge over his opponents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

It gives an edge to everything.

Independent

That too gives an edge to the supermajors.

The Economist

The talk show, in a sense, gives an edge to aspiring video stars.

The New York Times

Given the province's parliamentary system, that gives an edge to the PQ.

The Economist

On the injury to Stokes, he said: "He plays on the edge and gives an edge to our side.

The Guardian - Sport

However, falling energy prices and the high Canadian dollar, which gives an edge to imports, have dampened inflation in recent months.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Great baseball plays give an edge over an opponent.

The New York Times - Arts

But an international degree can give an edge in a crowded employment market.

The Guardian

All of this was given an edge by a nose ring with every outfit.

The New York Times

Of the local contenders, handicappers seem to give an edge to Ninja New York.

The New York Times

But the battery fires threaten to undermine Samsung's efforts, giving an edge to Apple.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gives an edge" when you want to emphasize that something provides a distinct advantage, especially in a competitive or challenging situation. It highlights that the subject's position is improved.

Common error

Avoid overstating the impact of the "edge". Ensure the context supports the claim that the advantage is significant and relevant. Do not use it if the advantage is minimal or insignificant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gives an edge" functions as a verb phrase, where 'gives' is the verb and 'an edge' is the object. It indicates that something provides a beneficial advantage or a competitive advantage. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

21%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gives an edge" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to indicate that something provides a distinct advantage. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is widespread across various domains, particularly in News & Media and Science. The phrase functions as a verb phrase, where 'gives' is the verb, and 'an edge' is the object. It's communicative purpose is to highlight a positive impact of a certain factor or attribute. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context supports the claim that the advantage is significant and relevant. Semantically related alternatives include "provides a benefit", "offers a competitive advantage", and "confers an advantage".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provides a benefit

Replaces "edge" with "benefit", focusing on the positive outcome.

offers a competitive advantage

More explicitly states the advantage is in a competitive context.

confers an advantage

Uses a more formal verb, "confers", to express granting the advantage.

imparts a strategic advantage

Highlights the strategic nature of the advantage being conferred.

creates an opportunity

Shifts the focus to creating a chance rather than directly giving an advantage.

yields a benefit

Replaces "gives" with "yields", suggesting the advantage is a result.

bestows a benefit

Uses a more formal verb, "bestows", to express the granting of an advantage.

supplies a head start

Focuses on providing an initial advantage rather than a continuous edge.

grants a plus

Uses a simpler term, "plus", instead of "edge", making the phrase more informal.

lends a boost

Uses "lends" instead of "gives" and "boost" instead of "edge", implying a temporary advantage.

FAQs

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

You can use "gives an edge" to indicate that something provides an advantage. For example, "The new software "gives an edge" to our team in data analysis".

What are some alternatives to saying "gives an edge"?

Alternatives include "provides a benefit", "offers a competitive advantage", or "confers an advantage", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "gives an edge over"?

Yes, "gives an edge over" is a correct and common usage. It specifies what the advantage is over, such as "This strategy gives us an edge over our competitors".

What's the difference between "gives an advantage" and "gives an edge"?

"Gives an advantage" is a more general term, while ""gives an edge"" implies a sharper, more distinct advantage, often in a competitive situation. The nuances between them are minor.