little room

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little room" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a space that is smaller than the average size. For example, "The tiny apartment only had one bedroom, so our family had to make do with the little room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But there is little room for complacency.

The New York Times

Germany, however, has little room to maneuver.

The New York Times

And there seems little room for negotiation.

The Economist

We had our own little room.

The New York Times

And there was little room for sentiment.

The Economist

That leaves little room for doubt.

The Economist

But there was little room for error.

The New York Times

And he sees little room for growth.

The New York Times

Paternalism left little room for partisan politics.

The Economist

But Algeria admitted little room for improvement.

The Economist

They had little room to maneuver.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "little room" to describe a physical space, ensure the context clearly indicates the size is smaller than average or expected. For instance, "The apartment was charming, but there was very little room for furniture."

Common error

Avoid using "little room" when referring to emotional space or personal boundaries, as this can sound awkward or insensitive. Instead, consider alternatives like "limited emotional capacity" or "lack of understanding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little room" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically modifies another noun or verb to indicate a limited amount of space, opportunity, or flexibility. Ludwig AI’s examples demonstrate its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "little room" is a versatile expression signifying limitation, whether in physical space or abstract concepts like opportunity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and scientific writing. While generally neutral in register, its specific interpretation relies heavily on context. Be mindful of potential misinterpretations, especially in emotional contexts. Mastering its nuances ensures clarity and precision in your writing. Synonymous phrases, such as "limited space" or "scant opportunity", provide valuable alternatives depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small space

Focuses on the physical dimension being limited.

limited space

Emphasizes the restriction or scarcity of space.

confined area

Highlights the feeling of being enclosed or restricted.

narrow margin

Shifts the meaning towards limited allowance or tolerance.

scant opportunity

Focuses on limited chances or possibilities.

restricted scope

Emphasizes limitations in the extent or range of something.

limited capacity

Highlights the limited amount that can be held or accommodated.

tight quarters

Implies cramped or uncomfortable living conditions.

lack of leeway

Focuses on the absence of flexibility or freedom to maneuver.

no margin for error

Emphasizes the absence of tolerance for mistakes.

FAQs

How can I use "little room" in a sentence?

You can use "little room" to describe a physical space, such as "The apartment had "little room" for storage". It can also describe a lack of opportunity or flexibility, as in "There's "little room" for negotiation on the price".

What are some synonyms for "little room"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "small space", "limited space", "confined area", or "narrow margin". If you mean a lack of opportunity, consider "scant opportunity" or "restricted scope".

Is it correct to say "there is little room" or "there are little room"?

The correct form is "there is "little room"" because "room" is treated as an uncountable noun in this context.

What's the difference between "little room" and "small room"?

"Small room" generally refers to the physical size of a room. "Little room" can refer to physical space, but also implies a lack of opportunity, flexibility, or tolerance, depending on the situation.