a degree of leeway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a degree of leeway" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing flexibility or freedom to act within certain limits. Example: "The manager gave the team a degree of leeway in how they approached the project, allowing for creative solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He regretted not having more film work, but appreciated the ownership one had in theatre, relishing the room to manoeuvre a good director would leave him with, he said, a degree of leeway and moments of discovery every night.

The Guardian

They have also stressed that Silverstone is one of the classic circuits that has provided the bedrock for the sport's current global popularity, having hosted the first round of the official world championship in 1950, and argue that it deserves a degree of leeway when it comes to the commercial race sanctioning fee.

The Guardian - Sport

As noted above, there is a degree of leeway for EU Member States in how they implement some parts of the regulation (such as with the age of data consent for kids).

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The contrast between the department's heavy presence and use of force on normal days and its inability to control the crowds on Monday boils down to a lack of resources and an effort to exercise restraint and allow protestors a certain degree of leeway, Pfeifer said.

Vice

It must also not be excessively intrusive in light of the student's age or gender, which, according to Safford, actually allows for a great degree of leeway for schools performing searches.

Cornell University

Wray told the club website:  "We held lengthy discussions with the Football League trying to persuade them to afford us a limited degree of leeway but rules are rules and in the final analysis we sadly fell outside of them and, therefore, have to adhere to the Football League ruling.

BBC

The consequences of a single knotted ribbon have spiralled into a wide-ranging debate about Team GB's selection policy for the 2012 Games and the degree of leeway that should be afforded to sports for which it may be a once-in-a-generation showcase.

The Guardian - Sport

Since the core of state and federal gun regulation has long been directed to keeping guns out of the hands of defined categories of dangerous people, this degree of legislative leeway promises to make gun control largely safe from successful constitutional attack.

Huffington Post

"We give him a lot of leeway in getting open.

The New York Times - Sports

Both of those factors give Hill a lot of leeway.

The Washington Post

So there was a lot of leeway for the designer in this new zoning law.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a degree of leeway" when you want to indicate that someone has some freedom to act or make decisions within certain limitations, as opposed to being strictly bound by rules or regulations.

Common error

Avoid using "a degree of leeway" when the situation requires absolute precision or adherence to strict guidelines. This phrase implies some flexibility, which might be inappropriate in contexts where even slight deviations are unacceptable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a degree of leeway" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. It modifies a verb like "give", "allow", or "have", indicating the extent of permitted flexibility. The examples from Ludwig show how it is used to describe the amount of freedom provided or available in a given situation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a degree of leeway" is a phrase that expresses a limited amount of freedom or flexibility within specific constraints. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and can be found in a variety of sources, primarily in news and media as well as academic writing. While not exceedingly common, it serves as a useful way to convey that there is some room for maneuver or adjustment, though not complete liberty. Remember to consider the context carefully to ensure that the level of flexibility implied by the phrase is appropriate for the situation you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some leeway

Shorter version of the original query, keeps the same overall meaning

a certain amount of latitude

Stresses the freedom to deviate from strict rules or procedures, often granted by authority.

a degree of discretion

Emphasizes freedom to make judgements or decisions.

some room for flexibility

Highlights the availability of adaptability and adjustment within a given situation.

a measure of flexibility

Emphasizes a specific quantity or extent of adjustability available.

a scope for variation

Highlights the potential for changes or differences within a defined boundary.

a margin of error

Focuses on permissible deviation from a standard or expected outcome, emphasizing potential inaccuracies.

a level of tolerance

Focuses on the acceptance of deviations or differences from a norm or standard.

some wiggle room

Indicates a small amount of space or freedom to maneuver, often in tight situations.

a range of options

Implies a set of choices or possibilities within certain parameters.

FAQs

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

You can use "a degree of leeway" to indicate that someone has some freedom to act or make decisions within certain limitations. For instance, "The project manager allowed the team "a degree of leeway" in choosing their tools."

What are some alternatives to "a degree of leeway"?

Alternatives to "a degree of leeway" include "a margin of error", "some room for flexibility", or "a certain amount of latitude", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a great degree of leeway"?

Yes, it is correct to say "a great degree of leeway". This phrase simply intensifies the amount of freedom or flexibility that is allowed.

What's the difference between "a degree of leeway" and "a degree of freedom"?

"A degree of leeway" implies some flexibility within constraints or rules, whereas "a degree of freedom" suggests broader autonomy and choice without strict limitations.