space for negotiation

USAGE SUMMARY

"space for negotiation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You would use it when referring to the opportunity to negotiate a deal or agreement between two people or parties. For example: "The two sides have left enough space for negotiation in order to reach an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

That mediator can impose stopgaps, such as temporary cease-fires, that open up space for negotiation.

The New York Times

"This is literally restating the threat and leaving space for some quid pro quo and space for negotiation.

The Guardian

The gap between suspicion and proof creates the space for negotiation which would cap the amount of low-enriched uranium hexafluoride that Iran could produce, limit the sites in which such enrichment could take place, and prevent enrichment to military-grade levels.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, children are little agents who are good at catching the discrepancies between different nurturers and finding space for negotiation and manipulation (Goh and Kuczynski 2009).

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Urban space is what interests Nevin Aladağ in her work as a space for negotiation and representation of different agendas, as a space full of traces and poetry, and as a space where the individual and community meet up over and over.

European Journal of Futures Research

Finally, self-protection may function at low-dose exposures to armed groups but, at higher doses or where the needs of armed actors are overwhelming and space for negotiation ceases to exist, they may be less effective or entail negative secondary effects [ 7].

Conflict and Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The best way to achieve that now is to create the space for negotiations to succeed.

The Guardian

The earlier deal was attractive to Washington because it would have deprived Tehran of enough known fuel to make a weapon, leaving breathing space for negotiations.

The New York Times

The diatribe against Mr. Obama, he said, was "kneejerk as an outburst, but calculated to produce a certain breathing space for negotiations with China".

The New York Times

And though there's space for negotiations, Greece is still in thrall to European institutions: both the E.C.B. and the I.M.F. have already voiced concerns about the reform plans that Greece submitted last Monday.

The New Yorker

The Palestinian postponement, she said, "provided some breathing space for negotiations at a time that we will use very well in a variety of venues and in a variety of combinations".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "space for negotiation" when you want to emphasize the availability of conditions conducive to reaching an agreement between parties. It suggests a pause, opportunity, or framework that enables productive discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "space for negotiation" in contexts where more concrete terms like "meeting", "discussion", or "mediation" would provide clearer and more specific information. Overuse of abstract terms can make your writing vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "space for negotiation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies the existence of conditions or opportunities that enable constructive dialogue and compromise between parties, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "space for negotiation" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to refer to an opportunity or environment that is conducive for discussion and compromise. As noted by Ludwig, it functions primarily as a noun phrase, indicating the existence of conditions suitable for dialogue. While the phrase is most commonly found in news and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. Consider using more specific terms when appropriate, and avoid overusing abstract language to maintain clarity. Remember that the phrase highlights the potential for productive talks, but doesn't guarantee a resolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

room for discussion

Focuses on the opportunity for dialogue specifically.

opportunity for compromise

Highlights the potential for mutual concessions.

scope for dialogue

Emphasizes the extent or range of possible conversation.

avenue for settlement

Suggests a pathway or means to reach an agreement.

margin for agreement

Implies a degree of flexibility needed to find common ground.

leeway for discussion

Indicates a permissible degree of freedom to debate.

latitude for compromise

Refers to the freedom to adjust or modify positions.

area for consensus

Highlights the existence of aspects where there is general agreement.

potential for reconciliation

Suggests the possibility of restoring harmony between differing parties.

opening for talks

Signifies the start or possibility of initiating discussions.

FAQs

How can I use "space for negotiation" in a sentence?

You can use "space for negotiation" to describe situations where there is an opportunity or environment for parties to discuss and potentially resolve disagreements. For example: "The mediator provided a safe "space for negotiation" between the disputing parties".

What phrases are similar to "space for negotiation"?

Similar phrases include "room for discussion", "opportunity for compromise", or "scope for dialogue". Each emphasizes different aspects of the discussion process.

Is "space for negotiation" formal or informal?

"Space for negotiation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and tone. It's generally neutral and widely understood.

When should I use a more specific term instead of "space for negotiation"?

Consider using more specific terms like "mediation", "arbitration", or "dialogue" if the context involves formal processes or specific settings. Using precise language enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.