give leeway to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give leeway to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to granting someone or something the freedom or ability to deviate from an expected course of action, often with regard to a certain set of rules or standards. For example: "The professor gave the students leeway to express their own interpretations of the text."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Those laws already give leeway to religious groups so that they can give preferential treatment to hiring people of their own faith.

The New York Times

And the Bush administration's clean-air proposals give leeway to utilities that were the subject of lawsuits by New Jersey and other states when Mrs. Whitman was governor.

The New York Times

The government is still in no mood to give leeway to Tibetan dissenters who, it fears, might seize on any inadequacies in the relief mission to whip up public anger.

The Economist

But those countries that have been virtuous over deficits will be reluctant to give leeway to the malefactors.Meanwhile, economists at the European Commission worry that, if governments cannot control state spending in present circumstances, they will face an explosion of deficit spending in decades to come, as pensions costs soar (see article).

The Economist

In this sense, initiatives such as 'Transition Towns' give leeway to the creation of 'alternative spaces' within cities through which often marginalised voices can seek to participate.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Such a change would give leeway to sectors that emit a lot of carbon into the atmosphere, such as the auto industry.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Mr. Bo was given leeway to speak in court, but there were obvious limits.

The New York Times

Developing nations are given leeway to offer some protection for local companies.

The New York Times

Its strategy stands in contrast to pension pots in Canada and Australia, for example, which are given leeway to be more daring.

The Economist

To the Police Department, an order is an order, and officers are not given leeway to choose which ones they follow.

The New York Times

Here, there was mild atonement coupled with the reminder that Pietersen must always be given leeway to express himself.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "give leeway to", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is receiving the flexibility and the specific area in which the flexibility applies.

Common error

Avoid vagueness. Instead of generally saying "give leeway to the team", specify what aspects the team has flexibility in, such as "give the team leeway to adjust project deadlines based on unforeseen circumstances".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give leeway to" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of granting someone or something a degree of freedom or flexibility. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is both correct and suitable for use in written English, fitting into a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

26%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "give leeway to" is a versatile phrase used to describe granting flexibility or freedom of action. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is both grammatically sound and appropriate for various written contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to convey the allowance of deviation from strict rules or procedures. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding who receives the leeway and in what specific area is crucial. Remember, the key is to avoid vagueness and ensure your writing is precise and informative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grant latitude to

Emphasizes the act of bestowing freedom from strict adherence to rules or standards.

offer flexibility to

Highlights the provision of adaptable options or allowances.

provide discretion to

Focuses on entrusting someone with the power to make judgments and decisions.

allow room for

Suggests creating space or opportunities for variation or deviation.

permit flexibility

Stresses the allowance of adaptability within a system or framework.

extend freedom to

Highlights the act of expanding the scope of liberty or autonomy.

afford latitude

Implies providing the opportunity to act freely within certain bounds.

leave room for maneuver

Focuses on providing options for strategic action and adjustment.

give freedom of action

Stresses the act of granting liberty to act independently.

allow some wiggle room

Indicates permitting a small degree of flexibility or deviation.

FAQs

How can I use "give leeway to" in a sentence?

You can use "give leeway to" to indicate granting someone flexibility or freedom within certain boundaries. For example, "The manager "gave space to" the employees to complete the project in their own way".

What are some alternatives to "give leeway to"?

Alternatives include "grant latitude to", "offer flexibility to", or "provide discretion to", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to "give leeway to" or "offer flexibility to"?

Both "give leeway to" and "offer flexibility to" are correct and usable. The choice depends on context; "give leeway to" implies a bit more freedom to deviate from a norm, while "offer flexibility to" simply suggests providing adaptable options.

What does it mean to "give leeway to" someone?

To "give leeway to" someone means to provide them with the opportunity to act with some degree of freedom, not strictly adhering to every rule or guideline. This can "allow room for" creativity or adaptation to specific situations.