narrow margin

USAGE SUMMARY

"narrow margin" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation in which victory is achieved by a very small difference. For example: "The candidate won the election by a narrow margin of only 3 votes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

By this narrow margin, Frady escaped electrocution.

Cornell University

She won by a narrow margin.

The New York Times - Arts

By this most narrow margin, the playoffs turned.

The New York Times - Sports

The quota system was retained by a narrow margin.

The New Yorker

Unfortunately the budget was defeated by a narrow margin.

The New York Times

He was reelected in 1998 by a narrow margin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now, the Republicans control the Senate by a narrow margin.

The New York Times

Invasion threatens to overlap the narrow margin of subsistence.

The Economist

Mr. Romney won the nation's suburbs by a narrow margin.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

In a narrow-margin business, these small increments can make a big difference.

The New York Times

(President Donald Trump lost the Granite State to Hillary Clinton by a narrow margin).

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "narrow margin", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured and the significance of the small difference. For instance, specify whether it's a margin in votes, points, or percentages.

Common error

Avoid using "narrow margin" when the actual difference is substantial, as it can mislead readers about the true extent of the advantage or shortfall.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrow margin" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used to describe a situation where a victory, defeat, or difference is achieved by a small amount. Ludwig examples illustrate this usage in various contexts, emphasizing the slightness of the difference.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "narrow margin" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a situation where the difference between success and failure is small. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, academic, and professional settings. When writing with "narrow margin", ensure that the context clearly specifies what is being measured and the importance of that slight difference. While related phrases like ""slim lead"" and "close victory" can serve as alternatives, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. By understanding its function, purpose, and potential pitfalls, you can effectively use "narrow margin" to enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close victory

Emphasizes the tightness of the win.

slight edge

Indicates a minimal superiority.

slim lead

Refers to a slight advantage in a competitive situation.

marginal difference

Focuses on the small degree of separation.

razor-thin advantage

Highlights the precarious nature of the lead.

tight contest

Describes a competition where the participants are very evenly matched.

neck and neck

Indicates that competitors are almost exactly level.

hair's breadth

Suggests an extremely small distance or difference.

squeaky win

Suggests winning by the smallest possible amount.

photographic finish

A term usually employed to situations so close that are impossible to determine without the use of technology.

FAQs

How to use "narrow margin" in a sentence?

You can use "narrow margin" to describe situations where an outcome is decided by a small difference. For instance, "The bill passed by a "slim lead" in the Senate".

What can I say instead of "narrow margin"?

You can use alternatives like "close victory", "razor-thin advantage", or "slight edge" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "narrow margin" or "wide margin"?

Both phrases are correct, but they describe opposite scenarios. "Narrow margin" indicates a small difference, while "wide margin" indicates a large difference.

What's the difference between "narrow margin" and "slight advantage"?

"Narrow margin" emphasizes the closeness of a result, typically in a competitive context. "Slight advantage" simply indicates a small degree of superiority without necessarily implying a close contest.