less margin for error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less margin for error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where precision is crucial and there is little room for mistakes. Example: "In high-stakes environments like surgery, there is less margin for error, so every decision must be made carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

There is less margin for error".

The Guardian - Business

On the road, you have less margin for error.

The New York Times - Sports

More positions on the golf course have become dangerous, and there is less margin for error.

The New York Times - Sports

For now, the Mitsubishi deal leaves the chief executive's recovery plan with less margin for error.

The New York Times

Li Na hits a flatter ball, with a lower trajectory and less margin for error.

The New York Times

Sharapova, by contrast, hits a flatter ball that has less margin for error.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Those are the two players to beat". "The longer this goes on, the less margin of error for Federer.

BBC

Why is it that when we have less light you have less of a margin for error?" Still, he wasn't sure his years of observation qualified him to make a film.

Los Angeles Times

"So there's less of a margin for error with him.

The New York Times - Sports

But close racing, at higher speeds with much less of a margin for error than stock cars, will continue to sell the sport.

The Guardian - Sport

The co-op now had even less of a margin for error after exhausting its existing federal loan allocations.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less margin for error", ensure the context clearly establishes what constitutes an 'error'. Be specific about the potential consequences of mistakes to emphasize the importance of precision.

Common error

Avoid using "less margin for error" in overly casual or informal settings where simpler language would suffice. Opt for phrases like "not much wiggle room" or "be careful" in such situations to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less margin for error" functions as a modifier, typically used to describe situations, processes, or actions where the tolerance for mistakes is reduced or minimal. As Ludwig AI suggests, this is a common and grammatically correct expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less margin for error" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the critical need for accuracy and precision. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, including news, sports, business, and technical fields. While versatile, it's best suited for situations where the consequences of mistakes are significant. When writing, be mindful of your audience and choose simpler language for very informal contexts. Remember to clearly define what constitutes an "error" in the specific situation you are describing. Consider related phrases such as "reduced tolerance for error" or "limited room for mistakes" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced tolerance for error

Focuses on the reduction of acceptable error levels.

limited room for mistakes

Emphasizes the constraint on making errors.

narrow margin for error

Highlights the small degree of acceptable deviation.

little leeway for mistakes

Stresses the lack of flexibility in allowing errors.

minimal room for error

Indicates that the possibility of errors is very small.

tight constraints on errors

Highlights the strict limits imposed on making mistakes.

strict error boundaries

Focuses on clearly defined limits regarding permissible errors.

exacting standards

Emphasizes the high level of precision required.

precise requirements

Indicates the need for accuracy and exactness.

critical precision

Highlights the importance of being accurate in a given situation.

FAQs

How can I use "less margin for error" in a sentence?

You can use "less margin for error" to describe situations where accuracy and precision are crucial, such as "In surgery, there's "less margin for error", so every movement must be precise."

What's a simpler way to express "less margin for error"?

Alternatives include "little room for mistakes", "not much leeway", or "very little tolerance", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "less margin for error" in formal writing?

Yes, "less margin for error" is suitable for formal writing, especially in technical, business, or academic contexts where precision is important. It's also appropriate in "news reporting".

What does it mean when someone says there's "no margin for error"?

Saying there's "no margin for error" means that any mistake will have serious consequences. This is similar to saying there's "zero tolerance" or that the situation is "extremely critical".