financial leeway

USAGE SUMMARY

"financial leeway" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to the ability to increase spending on something beyond what was budgeted, usually due to a windfall of money. For example, "Our company unexpectedly received a large sum of money, giving us some financial leeway to hire new staff."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

But the Cypriot government has little financial leeway.

The New York Times

Individual business travelers say they now have more financial leeway when booking lodging.

The New York Times

There is time yet to talk, and there is also some financial leeway.

The New Yorker

And India's government has little financial leeway for giant stimulus packages like those in China and the United States.

The New York Times

For its part, the Cuban government has recently eased some restrictions on private economic activity, which, Mr. Rodríguez-Cubeñas noted, allows artists more creative and financial leeway.

The New York Times - Arts

Except for Germany, most European countries do not have the financial leeway to pump up their economies with public works projects or other government spending, economists say.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Strong growth gave Brasília fiscal leeway during the global financial crisis; an aggressive stimulus package in 2009 led to claims that Brazil was the last country in and first country out of the Great Recession.

Huffington Post

In the 1970's, for example, when the film industry started to give directors more financial and creative leeway, several filmmakers saw their careers crash amid reports of financial and personal self-indulgence.

The New York Times

Although there are sanctions for not breaking even financially, some leeway is allowed over the next five years in the form of a "financial funnel" which allows some, diminishing, losses being allowed over the coming seasons.

BBC

Another involves the fairly significant leeway that financial firms have in valuing the securities they trade and hold.

The New York Times

Unlike Singapore, which expects its economy to shrink by as much as 5percentthis yearar, economists say Hong Kong benefits from its proximity and links to China, where the government has announced huge stimulus measures and has the financial ability and policy leeway to do more.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "financial leeway", clearly define the scope and limitations. For example, specify what the leeway allows (e.g., hiring, investment) and any constraints (e.g., budget caps, approval processes).

Common error

Avoid assuming "financial leeway" implies unlimited spending. It generally means there's some flexibility within defined limits, not a blank check. Ensure transparency and accountability when utilizing these funds.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "financial leeway" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes the availability of financial resources that allow for flexibility or discretionary spending. As Ludwig AI suggests, it correctly refers to the ability to increase spending beyond what was budgeted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "financial leeway" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes the availability of financial flexibility or discretionary funds. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and usability. It's primarily employed in news, scientific, and business contexts, as Ludwig's analysis showcases. When utilizing this phrase, it's essential to communicate clearly the scope and limitations of the flexibility, avoiding the assumption of unlimited spending. Alternatives such as "budgetary flexibility" or "economic breathing room" can be used to convey similar meanings depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

budgetary flexibility

Focuses specifically on the flexibility within a budget.

fiscal flexibility

Emphasizes flexibility in government or organizational finances.

economic breathing room

Implies having enough financial resources to avoid immediate pressure.

monetary flexibility

Highlights the aspect of having flexible monetary resources.

financial flexibility

A more general term for being adaptable financially.

discretionary funds

Refers to funds available for optional spending.

available capital

Highlights the presence of accessible financial resources.

excess funds

Implies having more money than is immediately needed.

liquid assets

Focuses on assets easily converted to cash.

reserve funds

Emphasizes the presence of financial reserves.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The unexpected grant gave the research team some "financial leeway" to expand their study." or "The company's increased profits provided "financial leeway" for new investments.".

What are some alternatives to "financial leeway"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "budgetary flexibility", "fiscal flexibility", or "economic breathing room" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "financial leeway" formal or informal?

"Financial leeway" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific situation and audience should always be considered.

What does "financial leeway" imply?

It implies having some degree of flexibility or available resources in financial matters, allowing for adjustments or unexpected expenses without causing significant disruption.