thin margins

USAGE SUMMARY

"thin margins" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a small or narrow amount of something, often used in a financial or business context. Example: The company's profits were low due to thin margins on their products. In this sentence, "thin margins" suggests that the company only made a small profit on each product sold, which affected their overall profits.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Farmers, the stewards of food, operate on thin margins.

The Guardian

The company's concert promotion business has thin margins.

The New York Times

"Food business works on extremely thin margins of around 2%.

The Guardian

The expected savings suggest that the business itself may involve thin margins.

The New York Times

"HBOS was a bit like Asda – all about volume with thin margins.

The Guardian - Business

In Mount Vernon's case, budgets in the last few years were passed by increasingly thin margins.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"We have whisper-thin margins," he said.

The New York Times

"There are razor-thin margins in several key states.

The New York Times

The result is wafer-thin margins and closures.

The Economist

The giant entertainment companies already complain about wafer-thin margins and are threatening layoffs.

The New York Times

Senators from both parties voiced hope that the paper-thin margins may yield a new bipartisanship.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial performance, use "thin margins" to clearly indicate that profits are low relative to revenue or costs. This term is concise and widely understood in business contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "thin margins" when describing physical objects or distances. This phrase is primarily applicable to financial or abstract concepts like profits, budgets, or probabilities. Consider using "narrow", "slim", or "slight" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thin margins" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature in written English, referring to a small or narrow amount, often in a financial context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

36%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thin margins" is a common and correct English expression primarily used in business and financial contexts. It signifies a situation where the difference between revenue and expenses is small, indicating low profitability or limited resources. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in news and business sources, it's a concise way to convey financial vulnerability. When writing, ensure the context relates to finances or abstract concepts, and avoid using it to describe physical objects. Remember, while synonyms like "slim margins" exist, "thin margins" is often the preferred term in formal business discussions. Understanding this phrase helps communicate financial realities with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

narrow profit margins

Focuses specifically on the profit aspect, highlighting that the profit earned is small.

razor-thin profits

Emphasizes the extreme thinness of profit, using a more figurative and emphatic tone.

small profit margins

A more direct and less figurative way of expressing the same idea.

marginal returns

Focuses on the low returns generated from an investment or activity.

tight budgets

Shifts the focus to budgets instead of profits, suggesting a limited availability of funds.

limited resources

Broadens the scope to encompass all kinds of resources, not just financial ones.

precarious situations

Highlights the instability and risk associated with having "thin margins".

slim chance

Changes the context to probability or likelihood, implying a low probability of success.

fine line

Refers to a subtle distinction or boundary, often implying a risk of crossing it.

delicate balance

Indicates a state where even small changes can cause instability or failure.

FAQs

What does "thin margins" mean in a business context?

In business, "thin margins" refers to a situation where the difference between revenue and costs is small, resulting in low profitability. It implies that even slight increases in costs or decreases in revenue can significantly impact the bottom line.

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

You might say, "The company is struggling with "thin margins" due to rising material costs", or "The industry is known for its notoriously "thin margins"".

What are some synonyms for "thin margins"?

Synonyms include "narrow profit margins", "small profit margins", or "razor-"thin profits"". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

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

Both "thin margins" and "slim margins" are acceptable and often interchangeable. "Thin margins" is slightly more common in business and finance contexts, but "slim margins" is also widely understood.