significant margin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant margin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a notable difference or advantage in various contexts, such as competition, performance, or results. Example: "The team won the game by a significant margin, showcasing their superior skills and strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"That's a really significant margin," he said.

Independent

The earnings beat Wall Street's forecast by a significant margin.

The New York Times

"There's a significant margin of safety in our portfolio".

The New York Times

How is that possible?" Apple is already the world's largest company, by a significant margin.

The New York Times

ANNE MAKINEN of Notre Dame was the women's winner by a significant margin.

The New York Times - Sports

Demand for items such as fridges and cars fell by a significant margin last month.

The Guardian - Business

(Clinton won by a significant margin, but those votes were counted hours later).

The New Yorker

Europe now stands a good chance of outpacing its economic rival by a significant margin.

The New York Times

Worldwide, record highs have exceeded record cold by a significant margin.

The Guardian

American Sniper is director Eastwood's biggest debut by a significant margin.

The Guardian - Film

This "consequently has caused significant margin calls with respect to its credit facilities," the filing said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "significant margin" to clearly communicate a substantial difference or advantage, especially when quantifying the degree of separation between two entities or results.

Common error

Avoid using "significant margin" when the difference is negligible or statistically insignificant. Ensure the disparity is truly noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant margin" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "significant" modifies the noun "margin". It describes a quantifiable or discernible difference that is noteworthy. As Ludwig AI shows, this difference is often related to outcomes, leads, or advantages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "significant margin" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a noteworthy difference or advantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in news, business, and academic contexts to highlight disparities in data, results, or performance. While versatile, ensure the difference you're describing is truly substantial to avoid misuse. Consider alternatives like "substantial difference" or "considerable advantage" for varying degrees of formality. Remember that the goal is to communicate that an observed difference is not trivial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

noticeable difference

Replaces "margin" with "difference", focusing on the disparity rather than the advantage.

substantial lead

Substitutes "margin" with "lead", emphasizing a position of advantage, especially in competitive scenarios.

considerable advantage

Uses "advantage" instead of "margin", highlighting the beneficial aspect of the difference.

marked disparity

Emphasizes the inequality or difference between two things, using "disparity" instead of "margin".

distinct gap

Replaces "margin" with "gap", indicating a clear separation or space between two values or entities.

appreciable difference

Focuses on the difference being easily perceived or measured.

large degree

Indicates an extensive amount or level, differing from the direct comparison implied by "margin".

wide divergence

Suggests a considerable deviation or departure from a standard or expectation.

clear distinction

Highlights the obvious and easily recognizable difference between two or more things.

substantial proportion

Indicates a sizable part or percentage of a whole, rather than a direct comparison.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "significant margin" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "substantial difference", "considerable advantage", or "marked disparity" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "significant margin" and "slight margin"?

"Significant margin" indicates a notable and impactful difference, while "slight margin" suggests a small and potentially inconsequential difference. The choice depends on the actual magnitude of the difference you're describing.

Is it appropriate to use "significant margin" in academic writing?

Yes, "significant margin" is perfectly acceptable in academic writing to describe substantial differences in data, results, or findings, as Ludwig's examples demonstrate.

What are some common contexts where I might use "significant margin"?

You can use "significant margin" when discussing election results, financial performance, sports scores, or any situation where a clear and substantial difference exists between two values or entities.