buffer

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "buffer" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that means either a protective barrier between two things, a cushioning space, or a temporary reserve of resources. For example, "The company set up a buffer between its own funds and the new investment to protect their financial stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Plus it helps create a buffer zone around you to protect you from all of the rubbish we have to deal with on a daily basis that makes us question our self worth, such as air-brushed images of so-called perfection.

The Guardian

Last September's Minsk accord involving Russia, pro-Russia rebels and the Ukrainian government included the establishment of a 30km (19-mile) buffer zone between the two sides.

The Guardian

Former Carlton forward Jeff Garlett impressed with his forward pressure all day and booted his second goal as the Demons restored a 25-point buffer at three-quarter time.

The Guardian - Sport

"Tonight we came together, it was a positive meeting, it was a good beginning," tweeted the 67-year-old Akinci after conferring with Anastasiades in the UN buffer zone that bisects the isle.

The Guardian

Pro-Russia rebels said on Tuesday they had started pulling heavy weaponry back from the frontline in accordance with the putative peace plan, which aims to create a buffer zone between the two sides' artillery.

The Guardian

We believe a buffer zone, which includes a no-fly zone, would triple if not quadruple the number of defections, which really speeds up the process of ending the regime.

The Guardian

Saleh again urged Turkey to help set up buffer zones inside Syria, which he claimed would encourage thousands more troops to defect.

The Guardian

More than half of the remaining £200m will be in reduced "contingency", cutting by £124m the financial buffer for overspend or things going wrong – although presumably a true contingency would render the spending necessary again.

The Guardian

McCain said the US needed to create a no-fly and buffer zone and also needed to take the fight to Syria's president, Bashar al-Assad, who has been fighting a civil war for three years but who has consolidated his position in recent months.

The Guardian

We have asked for a buffer zone since March.

The Guardian

Originally established as a buffer state, Uruguay is deeply dependent on its trading partners Brazil and Argentina.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "buffer" in technical contexts, be specific about what it buffers against (e.g., a "buffer" against economic downturns or a "buffer" for network traffic).

Common error

Avoid using "buffer" too casually in everyday conversation. Alternatives like "cushion" or "protection" may sound more natural depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The word "buffer" primarily functions as a noun, denoting something that mitigates impact or provides a reserve. As Ludwig AI corroborates, it correctly represents a tool or region used to lessen the collision between two objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "buffer" is widely used and generally correct, according to Ludwig AI, functioning primarily as a noun to describe something that mitigates impact or provides a reserve. It is commonly found in news, business, and technical contexts. Ludwig's examples illustrate its versatility, encompassing financial safeguards, physical barriers, and memory storage in technology. When opting for alternative phrasing, consider "cushion", "shield" or "reserve", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to be specific about what the "buffer" is protecting against for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cushion

Replaces "buffer" with a term emphasizing comfort and protection from impact or harm.

safeguard

Emphasizes the protective aspect of a "buffer", focusing on preventing harm or loss.

shield

Highlights the act of protecting or defending against something, similar to a physical "buffer".

reserve

Focuses on the aspect of a "buffer" as a stored supply or resource for future use.

security zone

Specifies the "buffer" as an area providing security or separation.

protective barrier

More explicitly describes the "buffer" as a barrier offering protection.

financial cushion

Specifies the type of "buffer" as financial, providing security against economic hardship.

contingency plan

Presents a "buffer" as a prepared strategy to mitigate potential problems.

insulating layer

Describes a "buffer" that isolates from external influence or impact.

slack

Emphasizes the aspect of providing room or flexibility, like a "buffer" in a system.

FAQs

How can I use "buffer" in a sentence?

You can use "buffer" to describe something that protects or cushions against impact, as in "The company created a financial buffer to protect against losses", or to refer to a neutral zone, like "a buffer zone between two countries".

What are some alternatives to using "buffer"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "cushion", "shield", "reserve", or "safeguard".

Is it correct to say "buffer zone"?

Yes, "buffer zone" is a common and accepted term, particularly in political and geographical contexts, to describe a neutral area separating conflicting parties or regions. It functions as a "security zone".

What is a "buffer overflow" in computer science?

In computer science, a "buffer overflow" is a type of error that occurs when a program attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer. This can lead to crashes or security vulnerabilities.