require less space

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "require less space" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as discussing technology, architecture, or organizational strategies. Example: "In order to accommodate the growing number of employees, the company has implemented a new filing system that requires less space and allows for easier access to important documents."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Today, as digital standards have replaced analog, telecommunications companies require less space.

The New York Times

Tech workers are more likely to live downtown and require less space for parking.

The New York Times

These mechanical systems require less space than do sludge-drying beds, and they offer a greater degree of operational control.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those without could experiment with quicker bursts of outdoor exercise or games that require less space, such as balloon juggling or water weights.

The Guardian

They require less space and maintenance than batteries and are less expensive over their lifetimes, but the initial cost of batteries is lower.

The New York Times

Insects offer a complete protein and a rich source of vitamins, minerals, fat and fiber, and they require less space and water to grow than traditional livestock, such as cows and chickens.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

This storage format requires less space than, say, the HDV format used by high-def tape camcorders.

The New York Times - Tech

"We have built similar pylons in Denmark and found that the monopole structure works well in hilly areas as it requires less space and can follow the contours of the land".

The Guardian

Yet, a gas-turbine unit requires less space, and it can be placed on-line within minutes, as opposed to a steam unit that requires many hours for start-up.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A quirk of a lossy image format like JPEG — that is, one that compresses an image, removing less important data, so that it requires less space on a hard drive and less bandwidth to transmit — is that when an image (or video or audio file) is repeatedly copied, compressed, and redistributed, the process leaves increasingly visible traces.

The New Yorker

With a floor painted bright yellow, a lowered ceiling and expanses of deep-red drapes, Mr. Althoff has remade the Gladstone Gallery according to his own needs, which seem to have required less space (about a third is simply sectioned off and ignored) and an effect that is both vivid and tacky, redolent of a bygone era, even if you don't know which one.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the benefits of a new technology or design, use "require less space" to highlight efficiency and practicality, such as in "New server designs often "require less space" in data centers."

Common error

Avoid using "require less space" metaphorically when referring to time or effort. While technically understandable, it's clearer to say something "takes less time" or "needs less effort."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "require less space" primarily functions as a descriptor, often acting as a predicate in a sentence. It attributes a quality of spatial efficiency to a subject, indicating that something uses a smaller area compared to alternatives. Ludwig AI analysis of examples validates this function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "require less space" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize spatial efficiency. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase appears across diverse contexts, including science, news media, and encyclopedias. When writing, consider using synonyms like "occupy a smaller footprint" to add variety. Avoid using it metaphorically when discussing time or effort as that can reduce the clarity of your prose. The most frequent sources for the phrase are "The New York Times" and "The Guardian", indicating its prevalence in well-regarded publications. Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

need diminished area

Changes "require" to "need" and "space" to "area", implying a reduced footprint is needed.

occupy a smaller footprint

Replaces "require" with "occupy" and "less space" with "a smaller footprint", emphasizing physical presence.

demand reduced room

Substitutes "require" with "demand" and "space" with "room", suggesting a need for less spatial volume.

utilize minimum area

Transforms "require" into "utilize" and "less space" into "minimum area", highlighting efficient use of limited space.

consume little capacity

Replaces "require" with "consume" and "space" with "capacity", suitable when referring to data or storage.

have a compact design

Focuses on the design aspect, implying that something is designed to fit into a smaller area.

be space-saving

Highlights the property of saving space as the main characteristic.

fit into tighter confines

Emphasizes the ability to fit in restricted areas, modifying the meaning to physical constraints.

minimize spatial needs

Directly addresses the reduction of spatial requirements through minimization.

be economical with area

Conveys the efficient use of area, framing it in terms of being economical.

FAQs

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

You can use "require less space" to describe something that is more compact or efficient. For example, "This new model of washing machine "requires less space" than the previous model."

What is a synonym for "require less space"?

A synonym for "require less space" is "occupy a smaller footprint". This phrase emphasizes the physical area something takes up.

Is it better to say "require less space" or "needs less space"?

"Require less space" and "needs less space" are very similar. "Require less space" sounds slightly more formal, while "needs less space" is more conversational.

What are the benefits of something that "requires less space"?

Items that "require less space" can lead to better organization, more efficient use of resources, and greater design flexibility. For instance, compact appliances "require less space" in smaller homes.