allow for some leeway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allow for some leeway" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when a situation might be strict but allows for some flexibility in how it is handled. For example: "The company's policy on vacation days is quite strict, but there is an allowance for some leeway depending on the individual's circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But he added that the code appeared to allow for some leeway in the board's response, and that the company's directors must carefully weigh their next steps.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Now it is much harder for companies to speed up stock payments, but there is a government service exemption that allows for some leeway.

The New York Times

But the proposals stopped short of the "zero tolerance" policy that many victims of sexual abuse have called for, allowing for some leeway in old cases where there is a single instance of abuse.

The New York Times

The Copyright Act allows for some leeway when a work is used for certain purposes.

Vice

Having defragmented the TEs we inferred a new TE insertion when a TE annotated in one species fell (almost) exactly within a gap in the other species; we allowed for some leeway in the accuracy of the annotation of the TE, by allowing it to be either 20 bp shorter or longer than the gap at either end.

Plosone

(Bear in mind that not all the four core freedoms are applied absolutely: there are exceptions to the free movement of services, for example. Recall too that what Europe originally enshrined in treaty was free movement of labour, not people: that too could allow for some British leeway).

The Guardian - Opinion

Now, this won't be something that everyone can do, as my internet-based business allowed for quite some leeway with regard to minimizing costs and location.

Forbes

Still, the company has spoken to trading partners about rewriting contracts to allow for more leeway on credit quality and has had internal discussions about moving some trading activities to a bank subsidiary that has a slightly better rating than the company, according to people briefed on these discussions but not authorized to speak on the record.

The New York Times

Some in the Boston area believe Mr Tsarnaev should receive the same treatment as all prisoners, while others say his alleged crimes should allow for more legal leeway.

BBC

Changing this section to allow for leeway in terms of harm reduction efforts is exactly the sort of action that SSDP are pushing for.

Vice

Current guidelines regarding patient technician interactions allow for leeway depending on the seniority and position of the technician.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "allow for some leeway", ensure that the context clearly defines the boundaries within which the leeway is permitted. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures that the flexibility is understood and applied correctly.

Common error

Avoid using "allow for some leeway" without specifying the limits of that leeway. Vague applications can lead to misinterpretations and unintended consequences. Instead, clearly define what aspects are flexible and what are not.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow for some leeway" functions as a verb phrase indicating permission or provision for flexibility within a defined context. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse situations where strict adherence to rules or guidelines may not always be feasible or practical.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "allow for some leeway" is a versatile phrase that indicates granting a degree of flexibility within certain boundaries. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usability across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. When using this phrase, remember to clearly define the limits of the allowed flexibility to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases such as "provide some flexibility" or "offer some latitude" can offer alternative ways to express this concept, while formal alternatives can further refine its application in different settings. Being clear about the boundaries for the degree of flexibility is very important so the phrase does not become too broad or lead to misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide some flexibility

Focuses on the action of providing flexibility rather than permitting it.

offer some latitude

Uses "latitude" to emphasize freedom of action or thought.

grant some flexibility

Similar to "provide some flexibility" but emphasizes the act of conceding it.

permit some flexibility

Highlights the act of permitting flexibility rather than enabling it.

leave room for maneuver

Focuses on creating space for alternative actions or plans.

offer a degree of flexibility

Specifies a degree of flexibility, making it less absolute.

provide a margin for error

Focuses on accommodating potential mistakes or inaccuracies.

give some breathing room

Emphasizes the feeling of freedom and space.

accommodate some variation

Highlights the acceptance of changes or differences.

leave some wiggle room

Uses a more informal term to describe flexibility.

FAQs

How can I use "allow for some leeway" in a sentence?

You can use "allow for some leeway" to indicate that there is some flexibility within certain constraints. For example, "The deadline is strict, but we can "allow for some leeway" if you communicate any potential delays in advance."

What's a more formal way to say "allow for some leeway"?

More formal alternatives include "provide some flexibility", "offer some latitude", or "grant some flexibility", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "allow for some leeway"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that while rules or guidelines exist, there's a degree of flexibility permitted to accommodate specific circumstances or variations.

What's the difference between ""allow for some leeway"" and "make an exception"?

"Allow for some leeway" implies a general flexibility within a system, whereas "make an exception" suggests a deviation from a standard rule for a particular case. The former is proactive, the latter is reactive.