breathing room

USAGE SUMMARY

"breathing room" is a commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a metaphorical space or a figurative break to allow more room to maneuver. For example: "With such a tight work schedule, I need some breathing room to find the energy to keep going."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She had breathing room.

The New York Times - Sports

"A little breathing room".

The New York Times - Sports

We need some breathing room.

The New York Times

"A little more breathing room.

The New York Times - Sports

Dealers get more breathing room.

The New York Times - Arts

"Give me breathing room, please.

The Washington Post

Some breathing room for Seattle.

The Guardian - Sport

Now we need breathing room.

The New York Times

"You have no breathing room.

The New York Times

You give them breathing room.

The New York Times

The Mountaineers had breathing room.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about stressful situations, "breathing room" can effectively convey a sense of relief or increased capacity to cope.

Common error

Avoid using "breathing room" solely in contexts that describe physical space. It's best suited for situations where you want to emphasize a figurative break from pressure or a margin for error.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "breathing room" is as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It signifies a metaphorical space or allowance, as Ludwig AI confirms, granting relief or flexibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "breathing room" is a common noun phrase used to describe having sufficient space, resources, or time to manage a situation effectively. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent appearance across various domains, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. The phrase conveys a sense of relief and flexibility, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While grammatically correct, it's important to use it in contexts where a metaphorical space or allowance is intended, rather than purely physical space. Alternatives such as ""leeway"" or ""margin for error"" can be considered depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The prevalence of examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and Forbes underscores its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

room to breathe

A very close synonym, emphasizing relief from pressure.

leeway

Indicates a degree of freedom or flexibility in a situation.

margin for error

Highlights the allowance for mistakes or inaccuracies without serious consequences.

wiggle room

Implies space to maneuver or negotiate, often in tight circumstances.

latitude

Suggests freedom from narrow restrictions.

flexibility

Emphasizes the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

space to maneuver

Directly refers to the availability of options and movement.

time to relax

Focuses on the aspect of having time available to rest and de-stress.

opportunity to recover

Highlights the possibility of regaining balance after a setback.

a break

Signifies a temporary cessation of activity to allow for rest or recovery.

FAQs

How can I use "breathing room" in a sentence?

You can use "breathing room" to describe having enough resources or time to handle a situation comfortably. For example, "The extra funding gave the project some "breathing room"".

What are some alternatives to "breathing room"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "leeway", "margin for error", or "wiggle room".

Is it appropriate to use "breathing room" in formal writing?

Yes, "breathing room" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing strategic planning, financial analysis, or project management. However, be mindful of your audience and context.

What's the difference between "breathing room" and "room to breathe"?

While similar, "breathing room" often implies more than just physical space; it suggests having sufficient resources or flexibility. "Room to breathe" can be more literal or focus specifically on relief from stress.