provide an edge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide an edge" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe an advantage that something gives you, for example: "The extra knowledge I've gained from reading these articles will provide me with an edge in my upcoming business negotiations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Each is looking for anything that might provide an edge.

The New York Times

In a competitive nursing home market, they may provide an edge in attracting paying customers.

The New York Times

Subject tests are only occasionally required but are often recommended to provide an edge in graduate school admission.

The New York Times

Now the technology, pioneered in motor racing, is being applied in another discipline where split seconds provide an edge: sailing.

The Economist

They provide an edge, the grit, the reason that football is not merely an athletic exhibition, and is a competitive endeavour that fires the spirit.

The Guardian - Sport

For the Sunday leaguer who wants to combine their hobby with data-analysis, this sensor-riddled football could provide an edge.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The principle of IL-XPCI is based on Fresnel diffraction theory which can provide an edge-enhancement effect.

Plosone

At the start of Johnson's next over, Kohli provided an edge which Shane Watson dropped at first slip.

The Guardian - Sport

Some admissions officers suggested in interviews that deferred admission had also provided an edge in college rankings.

The New York Times

Already Warner has chanced his luck, providing an edge that fell just short of de Villiers and another that the wicketkeeper dropped when the opener was on 43.

The Guardian - Sport

Improved looks were even seen as providing an edge in this high-pressure society's intense competition for jobs, education and marriage partners.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provide an edge", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the type of advantage being offered, such as a "competitive edge" or a "technological edge".

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "provide an edge" as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "offer an advantage" or "confer a benefit" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide an edge" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "provide" is the verb and "an edge" is the direct object. It signifies the act of conferring an advantage or benefit. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provide an edge" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the act of giving an advantage or benefit. As indicated by Ludwig, it is widely used in News & Media and Science, demonstrating its applicability across various professional domains. While versatile, it's beneficial to consider alternatives like "offer an advantage" or "confer a benefit" to prevent repetition and maintain clarity in writing. Remembering context is crucial for accurately conveying the intended meaning when describing how something contributes to success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supply a competitive advantage

Highlights the value of a benefit to outperform the competitors

offer an advantage

Focuses on the act of giving a benefit, subtly shifting from the outcome to the action.

deliver a strategic advantage

Places focus on a benefit that is essential to improve a plan.

confer a benefit

Implies a formal or official granting of an advantage.

give a boost

Suggests a more immediate and noticeable improvement.

furnish a leg up

Conveys the idea of giving someone a head start or advantage, but is more colloquial.

lend a hand

Emphasizes assistance and support to improve success.

grant an improvement

Implies a permission to perform better, enhancing success.

create an opportunity

Shifts focus from direct advantage to opening possibilities.

bestow a premium

Suggests a high value reward to enhance results.

FAQs

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

You can use "provide an edge" to describe how something gives an advantage. For example, "The new software will "provide an edge" in data analysis."

What can I say instead of "provide an edge"?

Alternatives include "offer an advantage", "confer a benefit", or "give a boost", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "provides an edge" instead of "provide an edge"?

Yes, the correct form depends on the subject. Use "provides an edge" with singular subjects (e.g., "This feature provides an edge") and "provide an edge" with plural subjects (e.g., "These tools provide an edge").

What's the difference between "provide an edge" and "gain an edge"?

"Provide an edge" means to give someone an advantage, while "gain an edge" means to acquire or obtain an advantage for oneself. For example, "Training provides an edge," versus "Athletes gain an edge through training."