on the tighter side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the tighter side" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is more constrained or limited than usual, often in terms of budget, time, or space. Example: "The budget for this project is on the tighter side, so we need to be careful with our spending."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If it is more on the tighter side (like skinny or legging style), try wearing looser tops.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's designed to be worn on the tight side and the vertical ribbed detailing helps to sculpt.

Independent

This suggests that, at least for Germany, the European Central Bank's monetary policy may have erred on the tight side over the past few years.

The Economist

"Smart" electricity grids, which couple critical infrastructure to the internet, must be secured carefully.In this section India's surprising economic miracle The handover The meaning of Stuxnet On the tight side Finance's other bosses Is it a bird?

The Economist

Even in the so-called tiny house movement, which has grown up around companies in California, Texas and elsewhere that have been building apartment-size homes for years, 84 square feet is on the tight side.

The New York Times

On the "tight" side of the equation, there will be tough central control over IT projects, and stringent spending controls to ensure the civil service achieves savings by negotiating bulk purchaes of equipment from laptops to paper.

The Guardian

"Given that the E.F.S.F. has already committed 145 billion euros for Portugal and Ireland and 73 billion euros for the second Greek package, the E.F.S.F. would only be able to use 220 billion euros out of the 440 billion euros, which might err on the tight side," Merrill's analysts wrote.

The New York Times

Go with a nice tight ponytail and a cute outfit that's a little on the tight side (which is what most workout gear looks like these days anyway).

Vice

First, stretch both sides to gauge tension and then repeat on the tightest side.

WikiHow

Hold that stretch longer or do another repetition of each stretch on the tighter, weaker side to try to equalize the 2 sides.

WikiHow

Jenkins also had praise for Samson Lee, who keeps his place on the tight-head side of the front row. Lee will come up against former Blues prop Campese Ma'afu on Saturday in a Fiji side that includes Ospreys centre Josh Matavesi at fly-half.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the tighter side" when you want to subtly indicate that something is limited or constrained without being overly negative. It's a useful phrase when discussing budgets, schedules, or resources.

Common error

Avoid using "on the tighter side" too frequently in your writing. While it's a useful expression, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "somewhat limited" or "a little lean" where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the tighter side" functions as a qualifier or modifier, indicating a relative state of constraint or limitation. According to Ludwig, it suggests something is less abundant or spacious than desired or typical. It is used to soften the impact of negative conditions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the tighter side" is a qualifier that gently indicates a state of constraint or limitation. Ludwig AI suggests that it is a grammatically correct expression used to communicate limitations subtly in different contexts. While its usage is currently rare, it appears across News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources. It's important to use this phrase judiciously, as overuse can lead to repetitiveness. Consider synonyms like "somewhat limited" or "a little tight" to vary your language. It is mostly for neutral communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a little tight

Uses similar wording, but less formal.

somewhat limited

Indicates a general sense of being restricted, but without specifying the degree of restriction.

more restricted

Emphasizes a greater degree of limitation compared to something else.

slightly constrained

Emphasizes a small degree of limitation or restriction.

a bit restricted

Similar to 'slightly constrained' but uses more informal language.

not as generous

Focuses on the lack of abundance or liberality in a resource or allowance.

on a smaller scale

Highlights a reduction in size or scope compared to what is desired or typical.

somewhat scarce

Emphasizes the limited availability of something.

a little lean

Suggests a lack of excess or abundance, particularly in resources.

less expansive

Focuses on scope or range, implying a narrower scope or range than desired.

FAQs

How can I use "on the tighter side" in a sentence?

You can use "on the tighter side" to describe something that is somewhat limited or constrained. For example, "The budget for this project is "on the tighter side", so we need to manage our resources carefully."

What are some alternatives to "on the tighter side"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "somewhat limited", "a little tight", or "slightly constrained".

Is it appropriate to use "on the tighter side" in formal writing?

While "on the tighter side" is generally acceptable, it leans towards being less formal. For formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "more restricted" or rephrasing to be more precise.

What's the difference between "on the tighter side" and "limited"?

"On the tighter side" implies a degree of limitation that is present but not necessarily severe. "Limited", on the other hand, is a more direct and general term for being restricted.