slender margins

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slender margins" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe narrow or limited margins in various contexts, such as financial reports, design layouts, or even in discussions about risk. Example: "The project's success was contingent upon operating within slender margins, making every decision critical."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Missed by Slender Margins.

The New York Times

Such slender margins, but such significant differences.

The Guardian - Sport

Hewlett-Packard's printer business, for example, faces intense price competition and as a result has slender margins.

Harvard Business Review

One expert in gasoline retailing said he did not understand how the program could work, given the slender margins on gasoline.

The New York Times

We thought this Six Nations might be a close one, and on this first weekend of slender margins the last instalment proved the tightest.

The Guardian - Sport

Pro football's popularity depends upon what Tannenbaum calls "those slender margins" — the fact that N.F.L. teams are so closely matched that, in 2011, seven of the eight divisions had new winners.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Mr Villaraigosa secured re-election by an embarrassingly slender margin against obscure challengers last March.

The Economist

It is within that slender margin that Bulgaria's hopes of competitiveness lie.

The Economist

INTENDED TO WORK ABROAD Had Accumulated a Slender Margin, but Foreign Officials Refused to Admit Her.

The New York Times

Only later would the two men realize the slender margin of their escape.

The New York Times

Three polls show the candidate of the governing party, Francisco Labastida Ochoa, leading by a slender margin.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In sports reporting, "slender margins" can effectively convey the intensity and close nature of competition, highlighting how minor advantages can determine the outcome of a game or match.

Common error

Avoid equating "slender margins" with unimportance. While the term describes small differences, these differences can be critical in determining success or failure, especially in highly competitive environments.

Linguistic Context

Slender margins functions as a noun phrase typically used to describe situations where differences or ranges are small. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase accurately conveys the precariousness of profitability or competition where minimal variations can significantly alter outcomes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slender margins" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes small differences or narrow ranges, often in situations where these small variations have significant consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is commonly found in news, business, and sports contexts, emphasizing the delicate balance and potential for volatility. When writing, use "slender margins" to highlight the precarious nature of situations where minor changes can lead to major outcomes, while avoiding the misconception that these small margins are insignificant. Alternatives include "narrow margins" and "tight margins".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marginal differences

Indicates differences that are so small they may not be important.

slim differences

Focuses on the minimal variance between values or outcomes.

small variations

Highlights the minor deviations or changes within a set of data.

slight edges

Focuses on a minimal advantage in a competitive context.

narrow boundaries

Emphasizes the restrictive nature of the limits.

tight limits

Highlights the strictness and inflexibility of the limitations.

thin divides

Emphasizes how easily separated or bridged two things are.

fine distinctions

Indicates subtle and delicate differences that are hard to perceive.

razor-thin edge

Highlights an extremely narrow advantage or difference.

paper-thin walls

Indicates very small differences.

FAQs

How can I use "slender margins" in a sentence?

You can use "slender margins" to describe situations where small differences have significant impacts, such as "The company operates on "thin margins", so even small cost increases can be detrimental".

What are some alternatives to saying "slender margins"?

Alternatives include "narrow margins", "tight margins", or "slim differences", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "slender margins" in a business context?

Yes, "slender margins" is commonly used in business to describe situations where profit margins are very small due to high competition or costs.

What does "slender margins" imply about a situation?

Using "slender margins" implies that the situation is finely balanced, and even small changes can lead to significant consequences, whether positive or negative.