very tight margin

USAGE SUMMARY

'very tight margin' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to describe a situation in which there is a small amount of time or space to finish or achieve a task. For example, "The deadline was fast approaching and I had to work quickly to make the presentation in the very tight margin of time I had."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Recent polls have shown a very tight margin between yes and no voters.Inflation took in breather in China in May, surprising many analysts.

The Economist

The Ryhope ward in Sunderland is a former pit village but it went Conservative on a very tight margin last May in the local elections, to everyone's astonishment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Since the day he got there, he's been on a championship-caliber team with a very tight margin of error, and that's a high standard that's probably not fair".

The New York Times - Sports

Any theories that move beyond special relativity would have to agree with special relativity to within this very tight margin.

Science Magazine

Mr Maduro won by a very tight margin, 1.8 percentage points compared to Mr Chavez's 11 percentage points victory in last October's election.

BBC

In the case of students, it seems reasonable to assume that full-time students working to support themselves as they get their degrees operate on very tight margin.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Improvising and working on very tight margins is second nature.

Harvard Business Review

At no more than £6 a serving, these traders work on very tight margins.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Declining markets and the closing of processing plants have resulted in loss of contracts for some and very tight margins for the rest.

Cornell University

They survive from one year to the next on very tight margins, raising money to put on shows with little endowment to fall back on in hard times.

The New York Times

This attracted multinational garment firms to Bangladesh, and they made arrangements with local subcontractors – who in turn controlled the production on very tight margins.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing competitive scenarios like elections or sports, "very tight margin" effectively communicates how closely contested the outcome is. Ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being measured or compared.

Common error

Avoid using "very tight margin" in situations where the difference is actually substantial or insignificant. Ensure the numeric difference or degree is genuinely small to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very tight margin" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically referring to a numerical or quantifiable difference. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes a situation with minimal leeway or a narrow range of acceptable deviation. The phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very tight margin" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a situation where there is a small difference or limited space for error. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment, noting its common use in describing situations requiring precision or where outcomes are closely contested. Predominantly found in news and media sources, its neutral register allows for application across diverse contexts, from elections and sports to financial and operational scenarios. When writing, ensure that the context warrants the use of this phrase by making sure that there is actually a small difference or little room for error. Alternative phrases such as "razor-thin difference" or "narrow gap" may also suit your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

razor-thin difference

Emphasizes the extremely small nature of the difference.

narrow gap

Focuses on the small space or interval between two points.

slim advantage

Highlights the minimal lead or edge in a competition or situation.

marginal difference

Indicates a slight or barely noticeable distinction.

close call

Suggests a situation where the outcome was nearly unfavorable.

fine line

Emphasizes the delicate boundary between two possibilities.

precarious balance

Highlights the unstable or uncertain nature of a situation.

limited leeway

Focuses on the restricted freedom or flexibility available.

exiguous scope

Denotes a severely limited range or extent.

hair's breadth

Illustrates a distance or degree so small it's almost imperceptible.

FAQs

What does "very tight margin" mean?

The phrase "very tight margin" refers to a situation where there is a small difference between two or more things, such as scores, profits or votes. It indicates that the outcome could easily have been different.

How can I use "very tight margin" in a sentence?

You can use "very tight margin" to describe elections, business profits, or even time constraints. For example, "The election results showed a "razor-thin difference", with the winner prevailing by a "very tight margin".

What are some synonyms for "very tight margin"?

Alternatives to "very tight margin" include "narrow gap", "slim advantage", or "close call". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "very tight margins"?

Yes, "very tight margins" is the plural form and is commonly used, especially when referring to profits, budgets, or other quantifiable values. Just be aware that "very tight margin" is also valid and it's used in other contexts.