cramped quarters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cramped quarters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small or confined space, often referring to living or working conditions that are tight or uncomfortable. Example: "The soldiers had to make do with cramped quarters during their deployment, sharing a small tent with little room to move."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They like those cramped quarters".

The New York Times

He is quite accustomed to thriving in cramped quarters.

The New York Times - Sports

Measurements have been performed in contaminated environments, in high radiation fields, and in cramped quarters.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

Tag teams pantomimed long sequences in the cramped quarters.

The New Yorker

And the cramped quarters sometimes have an upside.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, the buses' cramped quarters and ponderous routes can easily ruin one's day before it starts.

The Economist

It's dramatically different than the darker, cramped quarters where they live".

The New York Times

Some subsist in cramped quarters for years awaiting resettlement in another country.

The New York Times

To be sure, living in cramped quarters is a rite of passage for most New Yorkers.

The New York Times

Those who move out early tend to share cramped quarters with friends.

The New York Times

Life has become harder and lonelier, and the cramped quarters feel ever tighter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cramped quarters" when you want to emphasize the uncomfortable or restrictive nature of a small space, particularly in living or working environments.

Common error

While "cramped quarters" is widely understood, consider more formal alternatives like "limited space" or "confined area" in professional reports or academic papers to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cramped quarters" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to describe the conditions of living or working in a limited space.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cramped quarters" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe uncomfortable or restrictive small spaces. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is widely employed in news and media, as well as in academic contexts, indicating a neutral register. While alternatives like "confined space" or "limited space" may be suitable for more formal writing, "cramped quarters" effectively conveys the sense of being confined and uncomfortable in a small area.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close quarters

Similar to "cramped quarters", but can also refer to proximity between people.

confined space

Focuses on the limitation of space itself, rather than the discomfort it might cause.

tight space

Highlights the lack of room, often implying difficulty in movement.

limited space

Directly refers to the insufficient amount of available area.

small space

A more general term, simply indicating a limited area.

restricted area

Emphasizes limitations on access or movement within the space.

tight enclosure

A more descriptive variant of limited space that emphasizes confinement

confined environment

Broader term, referring to any enclosed or limited setting.

small enclosure

Highlights the enclosed nature of the limited space.

claustrophobic space

Emphasizes the feeling of being trapped or confined.

FAQs

How can I use "cramped quarters" in a sentence?

You can use "cramped quarters" to describe a small and uncomfortable living or working space. For example, "The sailors lived in "cramped quarters" on the ship."

What are some alternatives to "cramped quarters"?

Alternatives include "confined space", "tight space", or "close quarters" depending on the specific context.

Is "cramped quarters" formal or informal?

"Cramped quarters" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both informal and formal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, "limited space" might be preferred.

What does "cramped quarters" imply?

"Cramped quarters" implies not only a small space but also discomfort or restriction of movement due to the limited area. It suggests that the space is less than ideal for its intended purpose.