leave some leeway for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leave some leeway for" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to allow for extra time or extra space in a plan or agreement so that if something unexpected happens, it will be easier to make adjustments. For example, "We should leave some leeway for unexpected delays in shipping orders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But Mr. O'Connor's optimism and the fact that most layoffs would not occur until late in the summer appeared to leave some leeway for a resurrection of the original agreement or for a slightly tweaked version that would eliminate the need for the job and program cuts.

The New York Times

"It's significant that U.S. attorneys will no longer be able to use the size or profitability of a legal marijuana business to determine whether or not it should be a target for prosecution, but the guidelines seem to leave some leeway for the feds to continue making it hard for state-legal marijuana providers to do business," Angell told The Huffington Post.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Though the natural expression of history's logic has certain firm parameters, they leave some leeway.

The New York Times - Books

That might give some leeway for experimentation.

TechCrunch

I was willing to give Carvell some leeway for those franchises and for "Star Wars," which still have some relevance for Kids These Days.

The New York Times - Books

By toughening its requirements, the FHA hopes it will leave less leeway for abusive lenders to get away with issuing loans that more reputable lenders have rejected.

The Washington Post

As the fiscal situation in most affected member states does not leave much leeway for social policy expansion, the politics necessary for such changes are complex and probably involve zero-sum conflicts.

Journal for Labour Market Research

The instruments at the disposal of the Union also have to be changed: we need more framework laws that leave sufficient leeway for the Member States and the regions when it comes to fleshing out what the Union is bent on achieving.

EU Parlament

Leave some slack for adjustments.

WikiHow

The rest of the facility will retain its original name—United States Army Kwajalein Atoll leaving some leeway for naming other parts of the much-targeted site in honour of other deserving dignitaries.Espen RonnebergMorganville, New Jersey.

The Economist

Leave some for next time.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leave some leeway for" to introduce adaptability into project timelines. Acknowledge the potential for delays or unexpected challenges, allowing for adjustments without compromising overall project success.

Common error

Avoid creating plans with no "leeway". A complete lack of flexibility can lead to breakdowns when unexpected challenges arise, derailing progress and causing unnecessary stress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave some leeway for" functions as a directive or recommendation, suggesting the inclusion of flexibility or margin for error in plans, rules, or expectations. It is a way to advise caution and prepare for unforeseen events, as also Ludwig AI mentions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leave some leeway for" is a directive phrase used to advocate for flexibility and contingency planning in various contexts, as Ludwig AI highlights. It's grammatically correct and commonly used, suggesting adaptability in project timelines and contracts. Related phrases include "allow some latitude for" and "provide some flexibility for", each with slight nuances in meaning. When using this phrase, avoid overly rigid planning and always consider the possibility of unforeseen events. Key sources for this phrase include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allow some latitude for

Replaces "leeway" with "latitude", suggesting a broader or more generous allowance.

provide some flexibility for

Emphasizes the act of providing flexibility rather than the existence of it.

offer some margin for

Uses "margin" to highlight the idea of a buffer or safety net.

permit some room for

Replaces "leeway" with "room", indicating available space or scope for something.

make allowances for

Shifts the focus to making specific accommodations or exceptions.

give some consideration to

Indicates a need to think about or take something into account.

build in some slack for

Implies incorporating extra time or resources into a plan to avoid problems.

reserve some space for

Focuses on reserving physical or metaphorical space for something.

accommodate some variance in

Highlights the acceptance or management of variations or deviations.

factor in a buffer for

Stresses the importance of including a safeguard against unforeseen circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "leave some leeway for" in a sentence?

You can use "leave some leeway for" to indicate that you're allowing for flexibility or exceptions in a plan or agreement. For instance, "The budget should "leave some leeway for" unexpected expenses".

What's the difference between "leave some leeway for" and "leave some room for"?

While both phrases suggest allowing for flexibility, "leave some leeway for" often implies accommodating potential errors or adjustments, while "leave some room for" may refer to literal or figurative space for additional elements or expansion.

Which is a better choice: ""leave some leeway for"" or "allow for"?

"Leave some leeway for" is used when you want to give extra space to something or someone, while "allow for" just take into consideration different aspect.

What can I say instead of "leave some leeway for"?

Alternatives to "leave some leeway for" include "allow some latitude for", "provide some flexibility for", or "offer some margin for", each carrying slightly different connotations related to providing flexibility or allowance.