a bit of leeway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit of leeway" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing flexibility or allowance in a situation, often in terms of time, rules, or expectations. Example: "We can give you a bit of leeway on the deadline if you need more time to complete the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

So basically this gives George RR Martin a bit of leeway so stop whining.

Independent

Such a course of action might have given Trump a bit of leeway.

The New Yorker

Recognizing the thieving tendency of creation, copyright law does allow a bit of leeway.

The New York Times

It gives its hand-picked representatives a bit of leeway to moan about house prices, or even corruption.

The Economist

In the search for a bit of leeway, they often talk to officials more often than younger players do.

The New York Times - Sports

That will give Modi a bit of leeway to put together a reform program and sell it to the electorate.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Anything less can be written off as combat stress, making this a gray area of the law where there is a good bit of leeway for a soldier to prove his innocence.

The New York Times

Recipes that give a little bit of leeway make you a more confident cook".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We've looked into this in some detail and think the 11-hour limit on free parking is about right, allowing for a normal working day with a fair bit of leeway either side.

BBC

It strikes me as an ever-so-slightly slippery response, with a fair bit of leeway for Clerkenwell Boy to accept hospitality.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The sensational day Davis, a tight end, put together last weekend allowed him a little bit of leeway: he caught touchdown passes of 61 and 35 yards and finished with a career-best 180 yards receiving in the 49ers' 32-20 victory against Arizona.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bit of leeway", ensure the context clearly indicates the area in which the flexibility is permitted. Be specific about what aspects allow for deviation.

Common error

Avoid assuming the extent of "a bit of leeway" is self-explanatory. Clearly define the boundaries and limitations to prevent misunderstandings or misuse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit of leeway" functions primarily as a noun phrase, indicating a degree of flexibility or allowance. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used to denote some room for maneuver within a given set of constraints.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

12%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bit of leeway" is a common and correct phrase used to indicate the presence of some flexibility or allowance in a given situation. As Ludwig AI points out, it's frequently used across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. While the phrase itself is grammatically sound, remember to clearly define the scope of the leeway to avoid misunderstandings. Consider using alternatives like "some latitude" or "a degree of flexibility" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some latitude

Implies a broader scope of freedom or discretion.

a bit of latitude

Emphasizes the freedom to deviate from strict rules or guidelines.

a degree of flexibility

Emphasizes the extent of flexibility available.

a touch of flexibility

Indicates a subtle amount of flexibility.

room to maneuver

Suggests the ability to change plans or actions as needed.

some room for adjustment

Highlights the ability to modify or adapt to changing circumstances.

some margin for error

Highlights the acceptance of potential mistakes within limits.

a bit of discretion

Focuses on having the power to make decisions freely.

a little wiggle room

Offers a more informal and playful way to describe flexibility.

some breathing space

Emphasizes the reduction of pressure or constraints.

FAQs

How can I use "a bit of leeway" in a sentence?

You can use "a bit of leeway" to indicate that there is some flexibility or allowance in a situation. For example, "The deadline is tight, but we might have "a bit of leeway" if necessary."

What's a more formal alternative to "a bit of leeway"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "some latitude" or "a degree of flexibility" instead of "a bit of leeway".

Is it correct to say "a little bit of leeway" instead of "a bit of leeway"?

Yes, "a little bit of leeway" is also correct and conveys a similar meaning, perhaps with a slightly stronger emphasis on the small amount of flexibility available.

What does "a bit of leeway" imply about rules or expectations?

"A bit of leeway" suggests that while there are rules or expectations, there is also some room for deviation or adjustment. It implies that strict adherence is not absolutely required.