some breathing space

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some breathing space" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to refer to a break or pause in a difficult or stressful situation. Example: After a long day of meetings and deadlines, I finally had some breathing space to relax and recharge.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

GIVE SOME BREATHING SPACE Don't smother your wife/husband.

WikiHow

We have some breathing space".

The New York Times

It has also given the government some breathing space.

The Economist

Most of this will be renegotiated, providing some breathing space.

The Economist

Microsoft's investment also gave the cable companies some breathing space.

The Economist

That gives mortgage-payers and the chancellor some breathing space.

The Guardian - Business

"It's given the industry some breathing space to restructure itself".

The New York Times

Allow myself some breathing space to rest and reflect.

The Guardian

For a time, Xerox had some breathing space.

The New York Times

"He tried to establish some balance of forces with the guards — some breathing space".

The New Yorker

Her statement on sex offenders is likely to win her some breathing space.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "some breathing space" to indicate a temporary relief from stress, pressure, or difficulty, allowing for a moment of calm or a chance to reassess a situation. It's suitable when you want to convey the idea of having a break to recover or plan.

Common error

Avoid using "some breathing space" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your text sound repetitive. Instead, consider synonyms like "respite" or "pause" to add variety and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some breathing space" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples illustrate its use to describe a period of respite or relief, allowing for recovery or planning. Ludwig AI also confirms its correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "some breathing space" is a versatile noun phrase denoting a temporary reprieve from stress or pressure. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and commonly used, as the Ludwig examples demonstrate. Its communicative purpose centers around expressing the need for or experience of relief, making it suitable for various contexts. The phrase exhibits a neutral register and is frequently found in news and media sources, though applicable across diverse writing styles. When using it, consider synonyms to prevent redundancy and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a respite from pressure

Directly addresses the relief from stressful situations.

a chance to de-stress

Specifically refers to reducing stress levels during the break.

a moment to relax

Focuses on the aspect of relaxation during the break, simplifying the concept.

time to gather thoughts

Concentrates on organizing one's thoughts in a calm environment.

a temporary lull

Implies a short-lived period of calm within a turbulent situation.

a pause for reflection

Highlights the reflective aspect of having time to consider things calmly.

room to maneuver

Indicates having enough flexibility or resources to handle a situation.

a break from routine

Highlights the disruption of a normal pattern or activity.

a window of opportunity

Emphasizes the possibility of using the break to achieve something.

latitude to operate

Suggests having the freedom and flexibility to act independently.

FAQs

How can I use "some breathing space" in a sentence?

You can use "some breathing space" to describe a period of relief from stress or pressure. For example: "After the project deadline, I finally had "some breathing space" to relax."

What are some alternatives to "some breathing space"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a moment of peace", "a "respite"", "a "pause"", or "a break" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "some breathing space" in formal writing?

Yes, "some breathing space" can be used in formal writing, although more formal alternatives like "a period of "reprieve"" might be preferred in certain contexts. The choice depends on the specific tone and audience of your writing.

What's the difference between "some breathing space" and "free time"?

"Some breathing space" specifically implies relief from pressure or stress, while "free time" refers to any time that is not occupied by work or other obligations. You might have free time without necessarily experiencing "some breathing space", if you're still under stress during that time.