When reading news topics, sports commentaries, or even business reports, one might come across the phrase by a considerable margin. This common English expression is often used to describe a clear difference or gap between two things whether in quantity, performance, or opinion. Although it might seem like a formal or advanced phrase, the idiom is actually quite practical and widely used in everyday conversations. To understand what by a considerable margin really means and how to use it correctly, it’s important to explore its definition, usage, and relevance in various contexts.
Understanding the Meaning of By a Considerable Margin
The phrase by a considerable margin refers to a notable or significant difference between two measurements, results, or opinions. The word considerable means something that is large or important enough to be noticed. The term margin, in this context, refers to the amount by which one thing exceeds or falls short of another. Therefore, when something is described as being achieved by a considerable margin, it means the winning side or superior option has clearly surpassed the other.
Key Elements of the Phrase
- By: Indicates the method or measurement used.
- Considerable: Signifies that the margin or gap is noteworthy.
- Margin: Refers to the measurable space, difference, or gap between two things.
Together, these words describe a situation in which one result significantly stands out in comparison to another.
Examples in Everyday English
This idiom is flexible and appears in different areas of life. Here are some sample sentences using by a considerable margin:
- The new smartphone outsold the previous model by a considerable margin.
- She won the election by a considerable margin, receiving over 70% of the vote.
- In terms of productivity, the new employee surpassed expectations by a considerable margin.
As seen in these examples, the phrase is useful when emphasizing how much better, greater, or more successful one option is over another.
Use in Business and Economics
In business communication and economic reporting, precise language is essential. The phrase by a considerable margin helps convey data-backed observations in a polished and professional manner. For example:
The company increased its quarterly profits by a considerable margin compared to last year.
This sentence implies a clear and measurable improvement, without having to specify the exact numerical value. The phrase allows the speaker or writer to highlight a substantial achievement while keeping the tone concise and formal.
Benefits of Using This Phrase
- Clarity: It clearly indicates a large difference.
- Formality: It fits well in professional, academic, and public settings.
- Flexibility: It can be used with numbers, comparisons, votes, statistics, and more.
Comparison with Similar Expressions
There are other idiomatic expressions in English that convey a similar meaning to by a considerable margin. Understanding these can help add variety to your speech or writing:
- By a landslide: Often used in political elections to describe a huge victory.
- By far: Emphasizes that something is clearly ahead or better than the rest.
- By a wide margin: Almost identical in meaning to by a considerable margin.
Despite their similarities, by a considerable margin is slightly more formal and often preferred in written contexts or analytical discussions.
Common Situations Where the Phrase is Used
1. Politics
The incumbent candidate retained her seat by a considerable margin. In this context, the phrase points out that the candidate received significantly more votes than her opponents.
2. Sports
The home team won the match by a considerable margin. This implies that the victory was not close; it was a dominating performance.
3. Sales and Marketing
The new product outsold the competition by a considerable margin. This can highlight a strong market lead.
4. Academic or Test Results
He passed the exam by a considerable margin. It indicates not just a pass, but a strong result well above the minimum requirement.
Tips for Using the Idiom Effectively
If you want to include by a considerable margin in your writing or speech, consider the following:
- Use it when the difference is clearly large or meaningful.
- Pair it with data, facts, or percentages when appropriate.
- Keep it in formal contexts for best results, especially in business, academia, or news reporting.
- Avoid overusing it in casual conversations opt for simpler terms like much more when necessary.
The Importance of Precision in Language
Idioms like by a considerable margin enrich the English language by providing precise ways to express complex ideas. Instead of saying a lot, which is vague and can vary in meaning, by a considerable margin signals a specific, noticeable difference. In communication especially professional or formal writing precision can enhance clarity, credibility, and impact.
SEO Value of This Phrase
For content writers, marketers, and SEO professionals, understanding idiomatic expressions can improve topic readability and relevance. The phrase by a considerable margin is often searched in relation to business performance, product comparisons, election results, and competitive analysis. Including this idiom naturally in your writing may improve engagement and search visibility when discussing measurable differences.
By a considerable margin is a powerful idiom that expresses a clear and measurable difference between two or more entities. Whether you are analyzing political results, comparing sales figures, or describing achievements, this phrase helps emphasize the extent of the gap. Its formal tone and versatility make it useful in a wide range of contexts, from professional reports to everyday observations. Mastering expressions like this not only strengthens your command of the English language but also enhances your ability to communicate with clarity and impact. So the next time you want to highlight a significant difference, consider using by a considerable margin to say it with precision.