little scope for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little scope for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a limited opportunity or possibility for something to happen or be done. Example: "In this project, there is little scope for error, so we must be meticulous in our planning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But there is little scope for growth.

The Economist

"The debt dynamics show little scope for deviation," it said.

The Guardian - Business

That leaves little scope for the diversification watchdogs want.

The Economist

There is therefore little scope for improving the test uncertainty.

Atmospheric Environment

The second decade of the 21st century offers little scope for a repetition.

The Guardian

This means that there's little scope for innovation or any effective renewal in the performing arts.

The Guardian

There is little scope for the traditional Tory remedy of a housing and credit-based boom.

The Guardian - Opinion

The margins on them are wafer-thin, so manufacturers have little scope for spending on security.

The Economist

Because money is paid directly to the beneficiary's debit card, there is little scope for leakage.

The Economist

But as prices converge towards marginal cost, there will be little scope for undercutting the competition.

The Economist

A tough austerity program leaves the government little scope for initiative.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "little scope for", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being limited. For example, "There is "little scope for" improvement without additional resources."

Common error

Avoid assuming that "little scope for" means something is entirely impossible. It simply indicates that the possibility is significantly limited, not nonexistent. Subtle changes or minor adjustments might still be feasible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little scope for" functions primarily as a determiner phrase. It modifies a noun (often an abstract noun like 'improvement', 'change', or 'development') to indicate a limited degree of possibility or opportunity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "little scope for" is a versatile phrase used to express limited opportunity or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. As the examples show, it's frequently found in news, science, and formal writing, making it a reliable option for communicating constraints. Though the phrase doesn't imply absolute impossibility, it sets expectations appropriately, suggesting that significant change or development is unlikely. Alternatives such as "limited opportunity for" or "narrow range for" provide nuanced options for expressing similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited opportunity for

Emphasizes the constraint on opportunity rather than the range or possibility.

narrow range for

Focuses on the restricted range or extent within which something is possible.

restricted potential for

Highlights the constrained potential or capacity for something to develop or occur.

minimal possibility for

Underscores the reduced probability or likelihood of something happening.

scant prospect of

Indicates a meager or deficient outlook for a particular outcome.

limited capacity for

Stresses the finite or reduced ability to accommodate something.

negligible chance of

Highlights the insignificance of the likelihood of an event.

meager allowance for

Focuses on a small or inadequate provision for something.

small window for

Emphasizes a brief or limited timeframe for opportunity.

tight constraints on

Stresses the restrictive limitations or boundaries imposed on something.

FAQs

How can I use "little scope for" in a sentence?

Use "little scope for" to indicate that there's a limited opportunity or possibility for something. For example: "There is "little scope for" negotiation on this matter."

What are some alternatives to "little scope for"?

You can use alternatives like "limited opportunity for", "narrow range for", or "restricted potential for" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "little scope for" or "limited scope for"?

Both "little scope for" and "limited scope for" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on stylistic preference, but neither is grammatically superior.

How formal is the phrase "little scope for"?

The phrase "little scope for" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure than the phrase itself.