give him space

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give him space" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to allow another person some time or distance to think or feel comfortable. Example: "After their argument, she decided to give him space to process his feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Give him space to lead.

The New York Times - Sports

"I had to give him space," Peter explained.

The New Yorker

He added, "Let us give him space to breathe".

The New York Times

Jalen Rose tried to sag off and give him space.

The New York Times - Sports

His wife, he said, knows to give him space after a particularly intense case.

The New York Times - Health

I wanted to give him space, so I didn't call him, but inside I was dying.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, it didn't give him space or time to work them out.

The New York Times

Sometimes he likes to have his own way and I have to give him space.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When they wouldn't give him space, he clambered onto someone's back.

The New Yorker

We're going to play the game as one unit not to give him space.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Cornyn, in a brief interview Tuesday, said, "We're trying to give him space to make his decision".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "give him space", ensure you are not enabling avoidance behavior; space should be for processing, not escaping.

Common error

Avoid using "give him space" as an excuse to completely withdraw support; balanced support and understanding are crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give him space" functions primarily as an imperative, urging someone to grant another person time or distance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to recommend allowing someone to process their emotions or thoughts without pressure. Examples show its application in personal relationships and professional settings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "give him space" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, that advises allowing someone time or distance for personal reflection or processing emotions. It's versatile, appearing in diverse contexts from personal relationships to news reporting. While widely applicable, remember to balance it with ongoing support, avoiding complete withdrawal. Alternative phrases such as "allow him some distance" or "grant him breathing room" can provide nuanced ways of expressing this sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give him some room

Emphasizes physical or metaphorical space to operate.

allow him some leeway

Focuses on providing flexibility or tolerance.

grant him breathing room

Highlights the need for relaxation and freedom from pressure.

provide him latitude

Stresses freedom of action or decision-making.

let him have his distance

Focuses on permitting separation.

offer him time alone

Emphasizes solitude and reflection.

permit him some separation

Highlights granting a period of being apart.

afford him some solitude

Focuses on providing a state of being alone.

leave him to his own devices

Suggests allowing independence in handling a situation.

step back and let him manage

Implies withdrawing to allow independent handling of affairs.

FAQs

How can I use "give him space" in a sentence?

You can use "give him space" to advise someone to allow another person time or distance. For example, "After the argument, I decided to "give him space" to cool down".

What is the difference between "give him space" and "give him advice"?

"Give him space" suggests allowing someone time or distance to process their feelings or thoughts, while "give him advice" means offering guidance or suggestions.

What are some alternatives to "give him space"?

Alternatives include "allow him some distance", "let him have some time alone", or "grant him breathing room", depending on the specific context.

Is "give him space" appropriate in formal communication?

While ""give him space"" is widely understood, in formal contexts, consider alternatives like "allow him time for consideration" or "provide him with the necessary latitude" for a more professional tone.