less leeway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less leeway" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing limitations or restrictions in a situation, indicating that there is reduced flexibility or freedom to act. Example: "Due to the new regulations, we have less leeway in our budget for discretionary spending."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

But statewide guidelines in California allow less leeway.

The New York Times

Last night there was less leeway for an imperiled giant.

The New York Times - Sports

He may have less leeway to be as generous with the other two.

The New York Times

"They give the commission less leeway in interpreting the rules," Mr. Morgan de Rivery said.

The New York Times

Cameron and Osborne face a very different future, with less leeway.

The Guardian - Opinion

Had he waited until the float, the firm would have been more easily valued, leaving less leeway for creative accounting.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Were these obligations included, they could easily double Britain's public debt.Mr Brown's past imprudence has given his successor less budgetary leeway to boost the economy than he might like.

The Economist

Maine, however, has less long-term leeway than Santana and Perez because he has a one-year contract.

The New York Times - Sports

The primary motivation behind a structural alignment should be to find conserved residues, and a good algorithm must give leeway for less than total conservation.

Plosone

Labour has left £30bn of leeway to cut less and invest more than the Tories.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the rule permits sponsors leeway in various, less definable realms.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less leeway", consider specifying what is being restricted. For example, instead of saying "there is less leeway", specify "there is less leeway in the budget" or "less leeway in interpreting the rules" to provide more context.

Common error

Avoid using "less leeway" in very general contexts without specifying the area where flexibility is reduced. Without clear context, the phrase can lack impact and leave the reader wondering what limitations are being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less leeway" functions as a quantifier phrase, modifying a noun (often implicit) to indicate a reduced amount of flexibility, discretion, or freedom of action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less leeway" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a reduction in flexibility, freedom, or discretion within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It finds frequent application across various domains, particularly in news, business, and scientific contexts, signifying constraints or limitations. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide clear context regarding what area the flexibility is being reduced. Alternatives like "reduced flexibility" or "limited scope" can be considered based on specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced flexibility

Focuses on the decreased ability to adapt or change plans.

limited scope

Emphasizes a narrower range of possibilities or actions.

restricted freedom

Highlights the curtailment of independence or autonomy.

decreased latitude

Indicates a smaller allowance for variation or interpretation.

less room to maneuver

Emphasizes a reduced ability to change position or strategy.

narrowed margin

Suggests a reduced buffer or acceptable range for error.

tightened constraints

Highlights stricter limitations or boundaries.

smaller margin for error

Emphasizes a higher risk of failure due to reduced tolerance.

diminished allowance

Implies a reduction in permitted resources or actions.

curtailed discretion

Implies a reduction in the power to make decisions independently.

FAQs

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

You can use "less leeway" to indicate a reduction in flexibility or freedom. For example, "The new regulations give us "less leeway" in how we manage our finances."

What are some alternatives to saying "less leeway"?

Alternatives to "less leeway" include phrases like "reduced flexibility", "limited scope", or "restricted freedom", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "less leeway" or "fewer leeway"?

"Less leeway" is the correct phrase. "Leeway" is generally treated as an uncountable noun, so "less" is the appropriate quantifier.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the term "less leeway"?

The term "less leeway" is appropriate when discussing situations where options or flexibility have been reduced, such as in budgeting, rule interpretation, or project management.