secure an edge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secure an edge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is trying to gain a competitive advantage or benefit in a situation. Example: "To succeed in this competitive market, we need to secure an edge over our rivals by innovating our product line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Yet it was also a night when neither Mr. Obama nor Mrs. Clinton could decisively lay claim — or even secure an edge — to the nomination, assuring an electoral fight that will unfold for weeks to come.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

At the same time, Noah maintained that the Bulls had already secured an edge by defeating the Heat, 93-86, in Monday's series opener.

The New York Times - Sports

Supervisors may wish to protect the local industry or secure a competitive edge over other financial centres.

The Economist

In Landman's view, organizations planning to secure a nanoelectronic edge will have to rethink the engineering function, especially the training and education of engineers assigned to nano science projects.

Forbes

By playing an active role in industry consolidation we intend to secure a lasting competitive edge," said Andreas Bodczek, CEO of RNTS Media.

TechCrunch

He could have secured a slight edge with 35.Bxe6 Rxe6 35.Bxe6 Rxa6 35.Bxe6 Qxh4 35.Bxe6 Kh7 35.Bxe6Qd8 40.c4.

Huffington Post

It was enough to secure a victory that edges Stoke closer to safety, while at the same time leaving West Ham slightly too near the drop zone for comfort, despite manager Sam Allardyce picking up February's manager of the month award.

BBC

Since the 1960s, Chinese SOEs have enjoyed preferential treatment from the government in areas such as licensing, government contracting, and financing--ultimately securing an unfair competitive edge over private enterprises.

Huffington Post

Only moments earlier, the Magic had appeared to secure a victory and a 2-0 edge in the best-of-seven series after Hedo Turkoglu hit a 13-footer over three defenders for a 95-93 lead.

The New York Times - Sports

The recriminations over the hand ball that helped France edge Ireland and secure a place in the World Cup finals reverberated widely Thursday as Irish sports officials and politicians demanded the game be replayed.

The New York Times - Sports

The favorite Terrapins once again struggled against an underdog opponent, but managed to edge the Wolfpack and secure a sixth win for bowl eligibility.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "secure an edge" when you want to express the idea of deliberately obtaining a benefit or advantage, often in a competitive context.

Common error

While "secure an edge" is a valid phrase, avoid using it too frequently in informal or casual writing. Alternatives like "get ahead" or "gain an advantage" may be more appropriate in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secure an edge" functions as a verb phrase, where "secure" acts as a transitive verb and "an edge" functions as the direct object. It is used to describe the action of obtaining or ensuring a beneficial position. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "secure an edge" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express the action of gaining a competitive advantage or a beneficial position. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it is best suited for professional or neutral contexts, such as business or strategic discussions. When considering alternatives, phrases like "gain an advantage" or ""obtain a competitive advantage"" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remember that using this phrase is better practice in professional or neutral environments, while informal settings can benefit from alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtain a competitive advantage

This alternative is more formal and directly emphasizes the competitive aspect of gaining an edge; it differs by being more explicit about competition.

acquire a strategic advantage

Emphasizes the strategic planning aspect of gaining an edge. It focuses on a deliberate and calculated approach to secure benefits, implying a longer-term perspective and aligns well with business or military contexts.

get the upper hand

This idiom suggests gaining control or advantage in a specific situation or contest; differs in being more situational and informal.

solidify a lead

Implies that a lead has already been established and the current actions are aimed at reinforcing that lead. It focuses on maintaining and strengthening an existing advantage.

win an advantage

This alternative emphasizes the act of winning or earning a benefit. It is a more direct and less nuanced way of saying "secure an edge", highlighting the effort and result of gaining an upper hand.

build a competitive moat

Suggests constructing a defensive barrier around a business or strategy that protects it from competitors. This metaphor emphasizes creating a long-term, defensible advantage.

gain a foothold

This alternative suggests establishing a secure initial position, often in a competitive environment; differs by emphasizing initial entry and stability.

achieve a superior position

This phrase focuses on attaining a better rank or state compared to others, highlighting the outcome of securing an advantage; differs in focusing solely on the resulting status.

carve out a niche

This alternative suggests creating a specialized position distinct from competitors by emphasizing specialization and differentiation as a means to secure an advantage.

establish dominance

This suggests a more forceful and comprehensive assertion of superiority, implying control or leadership; it differs by indicating a higher degree of control.

FAQs

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

You can use "secure an edge" to describe efforts to gain a competitive advantage, such as "The company invested heavily in research and development to "obtain a competitive advantage"".

What are some alternatives to "secure an edge"?

Alternatives include "gain an advantage", "get ahead", "obtain a benefit", or "acquire superiority", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "secure an edge" in writing?

While grammatically correct, "secure an edge" is more suited for formal or professional contexts. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "get ahead" might be more fitting.

What is the difference between "secure an edge" and "gain an advantage"?

"Secure an edge" implies a deliberate and often strategic effort to obtain a benefit. "Gain an advantage" is more general and can refer to benefits obtained through luck or circumstance, as well as planning.