little margin for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little margin for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you need to indicate that something is limited or restricted. Example sentence: With our tight deadline, there was little margin for error.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is little margin for error.

The New York Times - Food

He has little margin for error.

The New York Times - Sports

There is very little margin for error.

Independent

That, however, leaves little margin for emergencies.

The New York Times - Tech

"But there's very little margin for error".

The New York Times

They had little margin for error.

The Guardian - Sport

That leaves very little margin for error.

The Washington Post

That would leave little margin for any additional bailouts.

The New York Times

The Giants anticipate having little margin for error against Baltimore.

The New York Times - Sports

In short, it's a hole with little margin for error.

The New York Times - Sports

Scott often altered plans too, leaving little margin for error.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "little margin for", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the limited allowance pertains to. For example, "There is little margin for error in this surgery" clarifies that mistakes are highly undesirable.

Common error

Avoid using "little margin for" without specifying what aspect is constrained. Saying "There's little margin for" is vague; instead, clarify with "There's little margin for delays" or "There's little margin for cost overruns".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little margin for" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating a limited allowance or tolerance. It is commonly used to highlight constraints or restrictions in various contexts, signaling that there is not much room for error, deviation, or flexibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "little margin for" is a versatile and widely used expression that signifies a limited allowance or tolerance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. It is particularly prevalent in news, sports, and business, where precision and adherence to standards are crucial. When using this phrase, clarity is key; always specify what the limited allowance pertains to. Alternatives like "scant margin for" or "minimal room for" can add nuance to your writing. Remember that its impact lies in clearly defining the constraints at play.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scant margin for

Emphasizes the smallness or insufficiency of the available allowance.

little latitude for

Highlights the lack of freedom or flexibility in making choices or decisions.

minimal margin for

Focuses on the extremely small or insignificant nature of the allowance.

little room for

Stresses the absence of available space or opportunity.

narrow margin for

Highlights the limited width or scope of the permissible range.

limited margin for

Indicates that the allowance is restricted or curtailed.

little leeway for

Emphasizes the lack of flexibility or freedom to deviate from a course of action.

precious little margin for

Highlights that the allowance is particularly valuable and scarce.

virtually no margin for

Highlights that the allowance is close to non-existent.

almost no margin for

Highlights that the allowance is nearly non-existent.

FAQs

How can I use "little margin for" in a sentence?

You can use "little margin for" to indicate a limited allowance for error, delay, or deviation. For example, "The project has "little margin for" delays", or "There's "little margin for" mistakes in this delicate procedure".

What's a more formal way to say "little margin for"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "minimal tolerance for" or "limited capacity for". These alternatives maintain the meaning while sounding more professional.

Is it better to use "little margin for" or "small margin for"?

Both "little margin for" and "small margin for" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context. "Little" might emphasize scarcity more, while "small" emphasizes size.

What are some alternatives to "little margin for error"?

Alternatives include "minimal room for error", "scant tolerance for error", or "narrow leeway for error". These options provide variety while maintaining the core concept of limited tolerance for mistakes.