occupy less space

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "occupy less space" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase in situations where you need to free up more space or make something take up less physical area. For example, "If possible, try to find furniture that will occupy less space in the living room."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Such a system will also occupy less space than conventional scanners.

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

Membrane modules comprising of hollow fibers have undergone widespread utilization for water purification as they occupy less space, involve low operating cost and generate minimum quantity of reject.

Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering

That's why manufacturers use rectangular milk cartons, which can be packed more efficiently as they occupy less space in pallets, trucks and shop shelves.

The New York Times - Style

They can carry information at a much higher rate, they occupy less space (an important feature in large cities and in buildings), and they are quite insensitive to electrical noise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Vertical-shaft machines usually occupy less space than horizontal units, permit greater submergence of the runner with a minimum of deep excavation, and make the tip-mounted generator more easily accessible for maintenance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They can carry information at a considerably higher rate, occupy less space (the diameter of an optical fibre is only a small fraction of that of a human hair), and are insensitive to electrical noise.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Hence, it occupies less space and reduces the implementation costs.

Solar Energy

There, he applied his deep knowledge of the material to help develop a new kind of suspension system that occupied less space yet enabled a smooth ride on small wheels and made the Mini a roadworthy reality.

The Guardian

In the US, now there is Fox News and – occupying less space – Jon Stewart's Daily Show, political comment is compartmentalised; pundits don't hate each other publicly the way Vidal and Buckley did.

The Guardian - Film

Ms. Smith got the boys signed up for Child Health Plus medical insurance and secured $809 from the Neediest Cases to buy them bureaus and a bunk bed, which occupied less space than two regular beds and allowed Ms. Singletary to navigate their room in her wheelchair.

The New York Times

The PA also occupies less space than the V-shape array for utilization in base stations.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing design choices or product features, use "occupy less space" to highlight efficiency and space-saving benefits, such as "These new servers are designed to "occupy less space" in the data center."

Common error

Avoid using "occupy less space" when referring to abstract concepts like time or attention. The phrase is best suited for physical dimensions. For instance, instead of saying "This meeting should "occupy less space" in your schedule", opt for "This meeting should take up less of your time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "occupy less space" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase. It's used to characterize something by indicating its efficient use of physical area or volume. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "occupy less space" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something that requires a smaller physical area. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is correct across various contexts. It frequently appears in scientific, news, and encyclopedia sources, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. When writing, it's important to consider the scope of 'space', ensuring it refers to physical dimensions rather than abstract concepts like time. Alternatives like "take up less room" or "be more compact" can be used depending on the context. Understanding these nuances helps writers employ the phrase effectively and avoid common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take up less room

Changes the term 'space' to 'room', implying a more general or interior setting.

require a smaller footprint

Emphasizes the area covered by something, often in a technical or environmental context.

minimize spatial requirements

Formal and technical, highlighting the need to reduce space usage.

reduce space consumption

Focuses on the act of using space, suggesting a decrease in the amount used.

be more compact

Highlights the quality of being tightly packed and taking up minimal space.

have a smaller volume

Specifically refers to the amount of three-dimensional space something occupies.

condense

Implies making something denser or more compact, leading to less space usage.

save space

Directly indicates the action of preserving or freeing up space.

fit into a smaller area

Highlights the ability to be contained within a limited space.

be less bulky

Suggests a reduction in size and unwieldiness.

FAQs

What does "occupy less space" mean?

The phrase "occupy less space" means to take up a smaller amount of area or volume. It's commonly used to describe items or systems that are designed to be compact or efficient in their use of physical space.

How can I use "occupy less space" in a sentence?

You can use "occupy less space" to describe products or designs that are space-saving. For example, "The new server design allows it to "take up less room" in the data center" or "These folding chairs "save space" in the storage closet because they "occupy less space" when folded."

What are some alternatives to saying "occupy less space"?

Alternatives to "occupy less space" include "take up less room", "require a smaller footprint", or "be more compact". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "occupy less space" in formal writing?

Yes, "occupy less space" is suitable for formal writing, especially in technical or design contexts where efficiency and space utilization are important considerations. More formal alternatives like "minimize spatial requirements" may also be used depending on the context.