ample cushion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ample cushion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sufficient or generous amount of padding or support, often in a physical or metaphorical context. Example: "The new sofa has an ample cushion that provides great comfort for long hours of sitting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Finance

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The seemingly ample cushion of inventories and spare capacity will quickly be exhausted, sending prices soaring.

The Economist

Combined with some fine play in the field by the Yankees, Pettitte had an ample cushion.

The New York Times - Sports

That's an ample cushion to angst, however frayed once-predictable careers have become.

The New York Times

The Mets scored eight times in the first two innings, giving starter Jon Niese an ample cushion.

The New York Times - Sports

The rest of National Australia's businesses are performing well, and the bank has an ample cushion of capital to absorb the HomeSide losses.

The New York Times

One reason is that Chinese banks require down payments of at least 30percentt, giving banks an ample cushion of cash against losses.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Cracking New York's real estate code can be daunting, particularly for those without an ample financial cushion or a network of resident friends.

The New York Times

After you descend below the streets of New York, your seat welcomes you with an ample, plush cushion and generous legroom (rarely available on Broadway).

Huffington Post

This spring, foreign banks were able to build up ample cash cushions, thanks largely to quantitative easing the Fed's $600 billion bond-buying program, which brought more money into the banking system in the U.S., including foreign banks' coffers.

The New York Times

And while shoulder room is ample, the seat cushion is low and thin, leading to sore spots after hours on the road and leg discomfort from sub-par thigh support.

BBC

Still, Terex's cash cushion is ample enough that it plans to pay off $225 million of that debt by year-end.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In project management, highlight the "ample cushion" in the timeline to demonstrate preparedness for potential delays or roadblocks.

Common error

Avoid using "ample cushion" to imply wastefulness or unnecessary excess. It should convey a sense of responsible preparedness, not extravagance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ample cushion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "ample" modifies "cushion". It often acts as a subject or object, signifying a comfortable or sufficient reserve of something, as illustrated by Ludwig, particularly in financial or resource-related contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ample cushion" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to describe a sufficient buffer, reserve, or margin, as confirmed by Ludwig. It often appears in news and media sources, particularly in the context of finance, sports and business, to convey a sense of security and preparedness. While the phrase is not overly formal, it maintains a level of professionalism suitable for business and neutral communications. Alternatives such as "generous buffer" or "substantial reserve" can be used to add nuance or variety. It's crucial to use "ample cushion" to describe a responsible level of protection rather than excessive wastefulness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Generous buffer

Replaces "ample" with "generous" to emphasize the sufficient size of the cushion.

Sufficient padding

Replaces "ample" with "sufficient" and "cushion" with "padding", focusing on the protective layer.

Substantial reserve

Uses "substantial" instead of "ample" and "reserve" instead of "cushion" to denote a significant amount held back.

Comfortable margin

Employs "comfortable" to describe the size of the "margin", implying sufficient room for error or unexpected events.

Adequate safeguard

Substitutes "cushion" with "safeguard" to highlight the protective aspect of having a buffer.

Good safety net

Emphasizes the protective nature of the cushion, framing it as a "safety net".

Considerable leeway

Uses "considerable leeway" to suggest a significant degree of freedom or flexibility.

Sizeable buffer zone

Replaces cushion with zone and ample with sizeable to amplify the space or allowance.

Ample security blanket

Substitutes "cushion" with "security blanket", adding a sense of reassurance and comfort.

More than enough

A simpler, more direct way of saying there is sufficient quantity or capacity.

FAQs

How can I use "ample cushion" in a sentence?

You can use "ample cushion" to describe having a sufficient buffer or reserve. For example, "The company has an "ample cushion" of cash to weather economic downturns."

What's the difference between "ample cushion" and "safety net"?

"Ample cushion" suggests a comfortable buffer, while "safety net" implies a last resort protection against failure. The first suggests active preparedness, the second passive damage mitigation.

What can I say instead of "ample cushion"?

You can use alternatives like "generous buffer", "substantial reserve", or "comfortable margin" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "ample cushion" in formal writing?

Yes, "ample cushion" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in business, finance, and news contexts, to convey a sense of security and preparedness. Its professional tone and directness are valuable in reports.