small margins

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small margins" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to narrow differences or slight variations in various contexts, such as finance, competition, or measurements. Example: "The election was decided by small margins, highlighting the divided opinions among voters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's small margins.

Independent

The small margins.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's small margins," said Bayliss.

The Guardian - Sport

You've got very small margins".

The Guardian - Sport

It comes down to small margins.

Independent

"Small margins decide games," said Adams.

The Guardian - Sport

Little things would have influenced small margins.

The Guardian - Sport

Small margins, they thought, can bring large rewards.

The Guardian - Sport

He has won by small margins, but he has won.

The New York Times

But Houston won both games by small margins.

The New York Times - Sports

Small margins effect the game and I feel aggrieved".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small margins", consider the specific context to ensure the adjective accurately reflects the degree of difference or variation. For example, in financial contexts, "small margins" implies minimal profit, while in sports, it suggests a close competition.

Common error

Avoid using "small margins" when the differences are actually significant. Overstating the 'smallness' can undermine the point you're trying to make.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small margins" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a situation where differences are minimal but consequential, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples in sports, business, and politics. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "small margins" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe situations where slight differences carry significant weight. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate across various contexts, especially in news, business, and sports. When using "small margins", ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning of minimal but impactful differences. Alternatives include "narrow differences" or "slight variations", depending on the specific nuance. It is a versatile and effective phrase for emphasizing the importance of details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

narrow differences

Emphasizes the limited extent of the dissimilarity.

slight variations

Focuses on the minimal degree of change or difference.

minute discrepancies

Highlights tiny inconsistencies or disagreements.

marginal distinctions

Stresses the barely perceptible differences.

fine lines

Implies subtle and delicate boundaries or separations.

close tolerances

Refers to strict limits of variation, often in technical contexts.

slim advantages

Highlights the small degree of superiority or benefit.

tight ranges

Suggests limited scope or extent of values or possibilities.

thin edges

Emphasizes precarious or unstable positions with little room for error.

hairline fractures

Describes minimal cracks or breaks, often metaphorical for slight weaknesses.

FAQs

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

You can use "small margins" to describe situations where slight differences have a significant impact, such as "The election was won by "small margins"" or "The company operates on "small margins"".

What are some alternatives to saying "small margins"?

Alternatives include "narrow differences", "slight variations", or "minute discrepancies", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "slim margins" or "small margins"?

Both "slim margins" and "small margins" are acceptable, but "small margins" is more commonly used. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific context.

In what contexts is "small margins" typically used?

"Small margins" is frequently used in business, sports, and politics to describe situations where outcomes are determined by slight advantages or disadvantages. For instance, it's commonly used when discussing election results or financial performance.