save a spot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Save a spot" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase is typically used when one is asking someone to reserve a space, such as a seat or table, for them. For example, you might say to a friend, "I'm running late - could you please save a spot for me?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

E-mail [email protected] to save a spot.

The New York Times

To save a spot, e-mail [email protected].

The New York Times

To save a spot, e-mail [email protected]

The New York Times

"Save a spot for LeBron!" a Miami Heat public relations staffer yelled.

The New York Times - Sports

Good luck to ya Pablo, we will save a spot for you in the terraces.

The Guardian - Sport

"When you get to Heaven, save a spot for me," he told Ortis, who died quickly thereafter.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

In doing so he became the only Liverpool goalkeeper to save a spot-kick on his debut and the first to foil one in a league game at Anfield for 14 years.

The Guardian - Sport

It's always worth saving a spot for desert: Dunn recommends you finish with the chocolate mousse ($13.50).

The Guardian - Travel

Unfortunately, none of Herbies card games have survived him, however they are anxiously awaiting his arrival and have saved a spot at the table for him.

The New York Times

Let us not be hasty but it might be worth saving a spot on the pantheon for McIlroy, just in case.

The Guardian - Sport

Perhaps the happiest member of the crowd on Tuesday was Charles Medley, 54, an unemployed construction worker who had been earning $5 an hour since Sunday night for saving a spot in line.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using “save a spot”, consider the context. It's suitable for informal settings like reserving a seat at a movie or a table at a restaurant. For more formal situations, “reserve a place” might be more appropriate.

Common error

Don't use “save a spot” when a formal reservation is required. For example, instead of saying "I'll save a spot at the conference", use “I'll register for the conference” to ensure proper booking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “save a spot” functions as an imperative, urging someone to reserve a place. Ludwig AI confirms this through various examples where it is used to ask someone to hold or secure a specific location.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

21%

Huffington Post

12%

Less common in

University of Chicago

3%

Forbes

3%

Los Angeles Times

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “save a spot” is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to request someone to reserve a place. Ludwig AI highlights its prevalence in informal contexts, often related to casual requests for reserving seats or locations. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the setting and choose alternative phrases like "reserve a place" for professional environments. The phrase is most frequent in News & Media and Wiki sources, and the expert rating confirms its consistent and appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

save a seat

Very similar to the original phrase, but more specific to seating.

reserve a place

Similar meaning, but emphasizes the act of formally booking or setting aside a space.

hold a space

Focuses on maintaining a space for someone or something, often temporarily.

keep a seat open

Specifically refers to reserving a seat, often in a public setting.

book a reservation

Implies a formal booking process, common in restaurants or events.

secure a position

More formal and often used in competitive contexts, like job applications.

set aside space

General term for allocating space for a specific purpose.

mark a spot

Emphasizes the physical act of indicating a reserved area.

hold down a fort

Idiomatic expression implying maintaining a position or situation, often in someone's absence.

stake out a claim

Implies asserting one's right to a space or resource, often in a competitive environment.

FAQs

How can I use "save a spot" in a sentence?

You can use "save a spot" when asking someone to reserve a seat or place for you. For example, "Can you please save a spot for me at the concert?" or "I'll be there soon, can you save a spot in line?"

What's a good alternative to "save a spot"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "reserve a place", "hold a space", or "save a seat".

Is it correct to say "save a spot for me"?

Yes, "save a spot for me" is a perfectly correct and natural way to ask someone to reserve a place for you.

What's the difference between "save a spot" and "make a reservation"?

"Save a spot" is generally informal and implies a casual arrangement. "Make a reservation" suggests a formal booking, often with a business or organization, like reserving a table at a restaurant or a hotel room.