slight edge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight edge" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a small advantage or benefit over someone or something else. For example, "She had a slight edge in experience compared to her competitors." Alternative expressions include "small advantage" and "minor lead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Brown has a slight edge.

The New York Times - Sports

I give a slight edge to Bryant.

The New York Times

Polls show that Obama has a slight edge in Ohio.

The Guardian - Business

Slight edge to Art, because he's old school".

The Guardian - Travel

There is a slight edge to everything he says.

The Guardian - Books

But there was always a slight edge between us.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Recent polls here show Mr. Bush with a slight edge.

The New York Times

Mr. Schwartz gives a slight edge to Mrs. Clinton.

The New York Times

In Arkansas and Louisiana, the Republicans hold a slight edge.

The New Yorker

Colorado: The opinion polls show Obama with a slight edge.

The New Yorker

The porterhouse for two was also exemplary, although the ribeye had a slight edge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slight edge" to concisely indicate a minimal advantage, especially in competitive situations like sports, elections, or business. This phrase suggests the outcome is uncertain.

Common error

Avoid using "slight edge" when the advantage is significant. "Slight" implies a minimal difference; a larger advantage requires a different descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight edge" functions as a noun phrase, where "slight" modifies the noun "edge". It quantifies the degree of advantage, indicating that it is minimal. Ludwig AI shows its use in contexts where a minor advantage or lead is present.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slight edge" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a minimal advantage. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage in news and media contexts. Its neutral to professional register makes it suitable for objective reporting and analysis. When using this phrase, ensure the advantage is indeed minimal to avoid overstatement. Remember that alternatives like "marginal advantage" or "small advantage" can provide similar meanings while varying the tone slightly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marginal advantage

Replaces "edge" with "advantage", emphasizing the benefit.

small advantage

Uses "small" instead of "slight", a direct synonym.

minor advantage

Similar to "small advantage", using "minor" for emphasis.

slim advantage

Emphasizes the narrowness of the advantage.

narrow lead

Focuses on the leading position, rather than the advantage itself.

tenuous advantage

Highlights the uncertainty or fragility of the advantage.

razor-thin lead

Adds vivid imagery emphasizing the closeness of the competition.

modest advantage

Similar in meaning, but with a slightly more formal tone.

insignificant advantage

Highlights the potential unimportance of the advantage.

subtle advantage

Focuses on how difficult the advantage could be to detect.

FAQs

How can I use "slight edge" in a sentence?

Use "slight edge" to indicate a small advantage. For example: "Polls show that Obama has a "slight edge" in Ohio." This indicates a small lead but not a guaranteed victory.

What are some alternatives to "slight edge"?

You can use alternatives like "marginal advantage", "small advantage", or "minor advantage" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "slight edge" in formal writing?

Yes, "slight edge" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reports or business analyses, where precise descriptions of advantages are important.

What's the difference between "slight edge" and "clear advantage"?

"Slight edge" suggests a minimal advantage, whereas "clear advantage" indicates a more substantial and obvious lead. The choice depends on the magnitude of the advantage you want to convey.