ample leeway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ample leeway" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing flexibility or freedom to act within certain limits or guidelines. Example: "The project manager gave the team ample leeway to explore creative solutions to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Many small Italian towns place a premium on architectural uniformity and will allow construction only on existing foundations, but Gazzola gives builders ample leeway on both fronts.

The New York Times

But the State Supreme Court struck down parts of that policy, and Gov. Chris Christie's administration said this year that it planned to maintain something like the status quo, giving municipalities ample leeway to set their own rules.

The New York Times

The court administrators suggested setting the salary for a State Supreme Court justice between $192,000 and $220,000, a range seemingly intended to give the commission ample leeway to grant a big raise.

The New York Times

Stanley Sporkin, a retired federal judge who was the securities agency's enforcement chief under Mr. Hills, said he agreed that prosecutors had ample leeway in deciding what to do.

The New York Times

That still gives him ample leeway for his borrowings, from modest folk-rock to the orchestrated opulence of "Pet Sounds" (in "Sunday Sun"), "A Day in the Life" (in "Lonesome Tears") and "2000 Light Years From Home" (in "Little One").

The New York Times - Arts

At the same time, Asian economies have been gradually diversifying into new markets; private consumption is growing; and the authorities in much of the region have ample leeway to prop up their economies through cuts to interest rates or taxes, if needed, economists say.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Ample parking.

The New York Times

Give us some leeway".

The New York Times

The bureau has some leeway.

The New York Times

LEEWAY COTTAGE, by Beth Gutcheon.

The New York Times

Perhaps too much leeway.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ample leeway", ensure the context clearly defines the boundaries within which this freedom applies. Specificity prevents misinterpretation and ensures responsible application of the given flexibility.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "ample leeway" implies unlimited freedom. Always clarify the limits and expectations, as misjudging the boundaries can lead to unintended consequences and deviations from the intended goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ample leeway" functions as a noun phrase where "ample" modifies the noun "leeway". Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe situations where flexibility or freedom is granted.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ample leeway" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that conveys the idea of having sufficient freedom or flexibility within certain limits. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that while it's not extremely common, its usage is appropriate in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. Related phrases include "sufficient latitude" and "considerable flexibility". When using "ample leeway", ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretations, and be mindful of the boundaries that define the extent of this freedom.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficient latitude

Replaces "leeway" with "latitude", implying a similar degree of freedom but perhaps in a more formal setting.

considerable flexibility

Substitutes "ample leeway" with "considerable flexibility", focusing on adaptability.

substantial freedom

Replaces "leeway" with "freedom", emphasizing the liberty to act.

wide scope for discretion

Rephrases the concept to highlight the broad range of discretionary power available.

significant room to maneuver

Uses a more figurative expression, suggesting the ability to navigate within given boundaries.

generous margin for error

Shifts the focus to the allowance for mistakes within a process or task.

plenty of wiggle room

Offers a more informal alternative, suggesting flexibility in a relaxed context.

sufficient operational space

Emphasizes the availability of resources or possibilities to work within.

enough scope to operate

Highlights the possibility to execute tasks and activities without restrictions.

sufficient elbow room

Presents an informal expression suggesting having enough space to move and act freely.

FAQs

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

You can use "ample leeway" to describe situations where someone has a significant amount of freedom or flexibility to make decisions or take action within certain guidelines. For example, "The project manager gave the team "ample leeway" in choosing the best approach to solve the problem."

What are some alternatives to "ample leeway"?

Alternatives to "ample leeway" include "sufficient latitude", "considerable flexibility", or "substantial freedom". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "ample leeway" or should I use a different phrase?

"Ample leeway" is a correct and commonly used phrase. However, depending on the context, you might also consider using alternatives such as "significant room to maneuver" or "generous margin for error".

What is the difference between "ample leeway" and "complete freedom"?

"Ample leeway" suggests a significant degree of freedom within certain boundaries or guidelines, while "complete freedom" implies an absence of any restrictions. "Ample leeway" means there are still some rules or expectations to follow, while with "complete freedom" there are none.