some leeway

USAGE SUMMARY

"some leeway" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means having a certain amount of flexibility or freedom to make choices or decisions. Example: "I gave him some leeway in choosing the menu for the party, but I made sure to set a budget beforehand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Give us some leeway".

The New York Times

The bureau has some leeway.

The New York Times

Pat gave him some leeway.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet Mr. Sarkozy has some leeway.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama's proposal would give employers some leeway.

The New York Times

Players with a clean record will get some leeway.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is probably giving you some leeway," he said.

The New York Times

But we feel we do have some leeway".

The New York Times

Mr. Feuerstein may already have lost some leeway.

The New York Times

"Although the numbers appear very fearsome, we have some leeway".

The New York Times

Even the new rules allow companies some leeway.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "some leeway" when you want to indicate that there is flexibility or freedom within certain boundaries. It suggests that strict adherence to rules or guidelines is not always necessary or possible.

Common error

Avoid using "some leeway" to imply complete freedom or a lack of constraints. The phrase suggests flexibility within defined limits, not an absence of them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some leeway" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It indicates the existence of flexibility or allowance within specific boundaries. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "some leeway" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase that signifies flexibility or allowance within specific boundaries. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently encountered in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it maintains a neutral register, users should be mindful of the specific context and opt for more formal alternatives like "discretionary power" when appropriate. Remember that "some leeway" implies flexibility within limits, not an absence of them. Understanding this distinction is crucial for accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some flexibility

Focuses on the adaptability and adjustability aspect.

some latitude

Emphasizes freedom from strict rules or limitations.

a degree of freedom

Highlights the extent of independence in decision-making.

a certain flexibility

Similar to "some flexibility" but with a slightly more formal tone.

a margin for error

Specifically relates to the allowance for mistakes.

room to maneuver

Suggests space or opportunity to change direction or tactics.

some allowance

Highlights the permission or acceptance aspect.

a bit of slack

An informal way of expressing leniency or relaxation of standards.

discretionary power

Implies the authority to make decisions based on one's own judgment.

some room to breathe

Emphasizes the benefit of reduced pressure or constraints.

FAQs

How can I use "some leeway" in a sentence?

You can use "some leeway" to indicate flexibility within certain limits. For example, "The project manager gave the team "some leeway" in setting their deadlines, but the project still needed to be completed on time."

What are some alternatives to "some leeway"?

Alternatives to "some leeway" include "some flexibility", "some latitude", or "a degree of freedom". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "some leeway" formal or informal?

"Some leeway" is generally considered neutral and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, it might be better to use more formal alternatives like "discretionary power" in highly formal settings.

What is the difference between "some leeway" and "complete freedom"?

"Some leeway" implies flexibility within certain boundaries or constraints, while "complete freedom" suggests an absence of limitations. "Some leeway" allows for adjustments and variations, but within a defined scope.