make space for something -

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "make space for something" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used when asking someone to set aside time, effort, or resources to accommodate something. For example, "I'm asking my colleagues to make space for new ideas during our next department meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

As you start forgetting, as you stop surrounding yourself with the artefacts of the past all the time, you make space for something new".

Independent

"The municipal leaders don't live in the centre of the community, and I do not think the people who have moved in care whether a house with history is torn down to make space for something new".

Independent

I applaud anyone and everyone who has made the choice this year to part with someone to make space for something new.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

While that packet of something may have looked tempting in the store, the fact that nobody in the family liked it is telling you something - throw it out and make space for the food that will be eaten!

WikiHow

Make space for the disappointment or grieving that's natural when you let go of something that's been important for you.

Huffington Post

If you have something you don't need in your locker, remove it to make space for more useful items.

WikiHow

We have to make space for that".

The New York Times

Make space for experiment and transience.

The Guardian

And make space for plants and ornaments".

BBC

Make space for their collective chatter.

Huffington Post

We have to make space for sex.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make space for something" when you want to emphasize the act of creating an opportunity or accommodating a new element, idea, or item.

Common error

Avoid using "make space for something" when simply describing existing space. This phrase implies an active effort to create or allocate space, not just its passive existence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make space for something" functions as an idiomatic expression, signifying the action of creating room, time, or opportunity to accommodate a new element, idea, or activity. This is consistent with Ludwig's analysis of the phrase as grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make space for something" is a grammatically correct and commonly used idiomatic phrase that signifies the act of creating room or opportunity. As confirmed by Ludwig, its typical function is to encourage the allocation of time, physical area, or emotional acceptance. While generally neutral in register, it is most frequently found in news and media and wiki sources. When using the phrase, remember that it implies an active effort to create or allocate space, rather than a passive description of existing space. Alternatives like "allow for something" or "create room for something" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create room for something

Emphasizes the act of physically or metaphorically creating space.

allow for something

Focuses on permitting or enabling something to happen or exist.

accommodate something

Highlights the act of adjusting to fit something in.

free up space for something

Implies liberating or clearing existing space for a specific purpose.

clear the way for something

Suggests removing obstacles to enable something to proceed.

make way for something

Indicates yielding or creating passage for something.

open the door for something

Highlights creating an opportunity or possibility.

prepare for something

Focuses on getting ready or making arrangements.

set aside space for something

Emphasizes reserving or allocating a specific area.

carve out space for something

Suggests diligently creating space that didn't previously exist.

FAQs

How can I use "make space for something" in a sentence?

You can use "make space for something" to indicate creating room or opportunity, as in, "We need to "make space for innovation" in our company culture".

What phrases are similar to "make space for something"?

Similar phrases include "allow for something", "accommodate something", or "create room for something", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "make space for something" appropriate for formal writing?

"Make space for something" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal writing, but consider more precise alternatives like "allocate resources for something" in highly formal contexts.

What's the difference between "make space for something" and "make room for something"?

While similar, "make space for something" often implies a metaphorical or abstract creation of opportunity, whereas "make room for something" is frequently used in a more literal, physical sense.