narrow margin for error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "narrow margin for error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where precision is crucial, and there is little room for mistakes. Example: "In this high-stakes project, we have a narrow margin for error, so every detail must be meticulously checked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Unlike the Heat, who had the luxury of an 82-game schedule to make adjustments, the Eagles, with 16 regular-season games, have a narrow margin for error.

The New York Times - Sports

Physics, politics and economics all necessitated the water landing, a highly complicated feat with a narrow margin for error.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Republicans hold a 52-to-48 52-to-48 52-to-48mocradvantagee upper chamber, leaving GovereaDemocrats a narrower margin for error then in the Houpperwhere infighting among Republichambermakers nearleavingiled the push on multiple occasions.

The Washington Post

However, the narrow margin for technical error and the need to provide an airway within minutes have lead to the introduction of the approach through the cricothyroid membrane, the most superficial portion of the airway in the midsection of the anterior neck.

Critical Care

Now, thanks to shrinking income tax revenues, that narrow margin of error is about to disappear.

The New York Times

You have a very narrow margin of error in a small business.

Huffington Post

(It is mainly large investors -pension funds, insurance companies and the like - whose money is being used to buy RJR Nabisco). And they have narrowed their margin for error.

The New York Times

The roads are also incredibly narrow, allowing little margin for error when bombing from one mission to the next.

The Guardian - Tech

LOS ANGELES — The Yankees, old and infirm as they may be, have continued to hang on the fringes of the playoff race, limping along as gingerly as Derek Jeter runs to first base, and with a margin for error as narrow as that on Andy Pettitte's fastball.

The New York Times - Sports

Each party has a responsibility to be fully aware of the new laws as well as plan changes, which are likely to be overwhelming; to meet the obligations under this rule, the margin for error will narrow.

Forbes

At every level the margin for error is narrower.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "narrow margin for error" to emphasize the criticality of precision and the high stakes involved where even small mistakes can lead to significant consequences.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "narrow margin for error" in contexts where errors are easily correctable or do not have significant repercussions. Overusing it can diminish its impact and sound overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrow margin for error" functions as a noun phrase that modifies a situation, emphasizing the limited allowance for mistakes. As Ludwig AI shows, it typically describes scenarios where precision is crucial.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "narrow margin for error" is a grammatically correct expression used to underscore the criticality of precision in situations where mistakes can have significant repercussions. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, primarily News & Media and Science. While not exceedingly common, its effectiveness in conveying the need for accuracy makes it a valuable phrase. Related alternatives include "limited room for error" and "little tolerance for mistakes". Using it appropriately—avoiding overuse in trivial scenarios—enhances its impact and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited room for error

Emphasizes the restriction on mistakes allowed.

slim chance of error

Focuses on the improbability of mistakes being acceptable.

little tolerance for mistakes

Highlights the strictness against any form of error.

negligible margin of error

Stresses the insignificance of acceptable deviation.

exacting standards

Shifts focus to the high precision required.

critical precision

Highlights the necessity for exactness.

tight constraints

Focuses on the limited boundaries within which one must operate.

no wiggle room

An informal way of saying there is no flexibility.

zero-tolerance policy

Implies a strict enforcement against errors.

demanding accuracy

Emphasizes the high level of accuracy that is needed.

FAQs

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

You can use "narrow margin for error" to describe situations where even small mistakes can have significant consequences. For example, "In surgery, there's a "narrow margin for error", requiring utmost precision".

What does "narrow margin for error" mean?

"Narrow margin for error" means there is very little room for mistakes; even small errors can lead to failure or serious problems. It emphasizes the need for high precision and accuracy.

Are there any alternatives to "narrow margin for error"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "limited room for error", "little tolerance for mistakes", or "critical precision", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "narrow margin for error"?

It's appropriate to use "narrow margin for error" when discussing situations where accuracy is paramount and even minor deviations from the correct procedure or standard can have severe negative outcomes, such as in medical procedures, engineering projects, or high-stakes negotiations.