slim margin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slim margin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small difference or gap between two quantities, often in contexts like finance, competition, or performance. Example: "The election was decided by a slim margin, with only a few hundred votes separating the candidates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

That measure passed by a slim margin.

The New York Times

"It's slim margin," Mr. Seabrook said.

The New York Times

Mr. Wellstone won by a slim margin.

The New York Times

o Stockholder approval was by a slim margin.

Columbia University

The state law was enacted by a slim margin.

The New York Times

She lost the election by a slim margin.

The New York Times

"There's a very slim margin of error," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Against expectations, it lost by a paper-slim margin, with 50.2 percent against and 49.8percentt in favor.

Harvard University

The scraped-in-by-a-slim-margin politician, having taken office, still won power.

Vice

And Parliament passed it by a slim margin.

The New York Times

That slim margin has been the catalyst for this push toward gold, Chinese officials said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slim margin" to denote situations where even small changes can have a significant impact, especially in business or financial contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "slim margin" when the difference is actually substantial, as this can mislead the reader and undermine the accuracy of your description. Ensure the context genuinely reflects a minimal difference, not a perceived one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slim margin" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "slim" modifies the noun "margin". It denotes a small difference or degree by which something is won or achieved. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science & Research

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slim margin" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a small difference between two quantities or outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most frequently used in news and media, as well as academic and encyclopedia contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects a genuinely minimal difference to avoid misleading the reader. Consider using alternative phrases such as "narrow difference" or "slight advantage" for nuanced meanings. By keeping these points in mind, you can effectively incorporate "slim margin" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

narrow difference

Focuses on the size of the difference.

slight advantage

Emphasizes a small lead or edge.

razor-thin lead

Highlights how precarious the lead is.

marginal victory

Indicates a win by a minimal amount.

close call

Stresses the uncertainty and near-loss.

thin line

Emphasizes the delicateness or fragility.

small gap

Highlights the minimal distance between two quantities.

tight spread

Focuses on how close the values are to each other.

close contest

Emphasizes the competitiveness and near-tie.

fine distinction

Indicates a subtle and barely noticeable difference.

FAQs

How can I use "slim margin" in a sentence?

You can use "slim margin" to describe a situation where the difference between two results is very small. For example: "The bill passed by a "slim margin"".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "slim margin"?

Alternatives to "slim margin" include "slight advantage", "narrow difference", or "marginal victory".

Is it appropriate to use "slim margin" in formal writing?

Yes, "slim margin" is appropriate for formal writing. It's commonly found in news reports, academic papers, and business documents. The phrase is widely used and understood across different registers.

What is the difference between "slim margin" and "wide margin"?

"Slim margin" describes a small difference, while "wide margin" indicates a significant difference. For example, an election result with a "slim margin" suggests a close contest, whereas a "wide margin" implies a clear victory.