space

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "space" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context in which it is used.
You can use it to refer to a physical area, a concept of emptiness, or in various idiomatic expressions. Example: "The astronaut floated in the vastness of space, marveling at the stars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Watch this space.

The New York Times

North Korea's state media often boasts of successful military and space accomplishments, including the launch of a functional communications satellite, which are not independently verified by outside experts.

The Guardian

Watch that space.

The New York Times

2. To help us to monitor and improve the services we offer 3. To sell advertising space on the site.

The Guardian

But watch this space.

The Economist

Social media created an extra public space where a more truthful and nuanced discussion could go on – and it created an outlet for information to the world.

The Guardian - Opinion

I just took on the keys to a new space, owned by the Yemeni community.

The Guardian

This Hubb space opened and it was exciting because there was nowhere else like it.

The Guardian

After all, their liabilities on him cannot be great, the colt's status having changed from 'unlikely runner' to 'hot favourite' in the space of two minutes last month.

The Guardian - Sport

It supports them in exam stress and [instead of panicking] it allows them to put space between themselves and a difficult question".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

GWYNETH PALTROW'S GOING TO SEE MY BITS!!!" After Olley survived exposure to fashionistas while naked in a confined space with flying moths ("I wanted my knickers back on pronto"), she ran across Isabella Blow.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to outer "space", use the term "outer space" for clarity, especially in contexts where the general concept of physical extent might cause confusion.

Common error

Be precise when using "space". Specify whether you are referring to physical area, time, or a more abstract concept to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The word "space" functions primarily as a noun, referring to physical extent, area, or time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. Examples show its versatility in describing physical locations and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "space" is a versatile term widely used in the English language. It primarily functions as a noun, denoting physical extent, area, or time. According to Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically correct and highly adaptable across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, "space" also appears frequently in Science and Formal & Business settings. To avoid ambiguity, specify whether you're referring to physical area, time, or an abstract concept, and consider alternatives like "area", "room", or "opportunity" depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

area

Refers to a defined region or extent, similar to "space" when referring to physical dimensions.

room

Indicates available or unoccupied "space" for something or someone.

volume

Denotes the amount of "space" occupied by a three-dimensional object or region.

scope

Refers to the extent or range of something, analogous to "space" in abstract contexts.

leeway

Implies freedom or flexibility within certain limits, akin to having "space" to maneuver.

opportunity

Signifies an available time or "space" to do something.

duration

Indicates the length of time something lasts, comparable to a period of "space" in time.

distance

Refers to the interval or "space" between two points or objects.

territory

Denotes an area of land under jurisdiction, resembling "space" in a geographical sense.

expanse

Implies a wide or open area, similar to "space" when referring to a vast region.

FAQs

How can I use "space" in a sentence?

You can use "space" to refer to a physical area (e.g., "The room had plenty of space"), outer "space" (e.g., "Humans explore outer space"), or a period of time (e.g., "In the space of an hour, the situation changed").

What's the difference between "space" and "area"?

"Space" generally refers to a continuous extent or expanse, while "area" typically denotes a defined or measured region. You could use alternatives like "territory" or "region" instead of "area".

What can I say instead of "space" when referring to free time?

Instead of "space", you can use "leisure", "free time", or "opportunity" depending on the context.

How do I avoid ambiguity when using the word "space"?

Ensure context clarifies whether you mean physical "space", time, or abstract freedom. For example, specify "office space" or "personal space" to avoid confusion. Or replace the phrase with "available area", "time frame" or similar.