spare space

USAGE SUMMARY

'spare space' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a place or area that is empty or unoccupied. For example, "I created a spare space in the garage to store small items."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They have a spare space in their car.

The Economist

We were sitting in her office, a beautifully spare space designed by her mother.

The New Yorker

M&S does have a decent alternative use for some of their spare space – food".

The Guardian - Business

I hope it inspires more developers of luxury flats to spare space for open, swimmable water.

The Guardian - Travel

Argos outlets will also provide a useful filler for spare space in Sainsbury's largest outlets.

The Guardian - Business

There is temporarily some spare space, until the entry cohort reaches year 6.

The Guardian

There is no 50% of spare space or 100% spare staff waiting for a crisis.

The Guardian - Business

Anyone with spare space — in their basement, driveway, garage, closet — could rent it out to those in need.

The New York Times

The most notable may be Addiction (No. 15; 852-2581-2779), a large, spare space that opened last December.

The New York Times - Travel

Now he rents a bedroom furnished with just a bed and a wardrobe - a spare space he has used to host his radio program.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Some of the slack may be taken up by the District's Catholic schools, which have 1,200 spare spaces.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing real estate or storage solutions, use "spare space" to indicate available or unused areas within a property. For example: "Convert your attic into usable "spare space".

Common error

Avoid using "spare space" when you actually mean personal space or emotional distance. "Spare space" refers to physical areas, not interpersonal boundaries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spare space" functions primarily as a noun phrase, designating an area that is available or unused. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing physical locations and potential for storage or other purposes. It is used to denote a place that is not currently occupied but could be.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spare space" is a common noun phrase used to describe available or unused areas. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct and usable in written English. Its neutral register allows it to be suitable for various contexts, predominantly in news, science, and academic settings. When writing, ensure you are referring to physical space rather than abstract concepts like personal space. Consider alternatives like "available area" or "extra room" depending on the specific context. With consistent usage across authoritative sources, "spare space" remains a practical and clear way to designate underutilized areas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

available area

Focuses on the availability of the space rather than its disuse.

extra room

Emphasizes the presence of additional, often enclosed, space.

unused capacity

Highlights the potential of the space to be utilized.

empty zone

Underscores the emptiness of the area, lacking any contents.

additional storage

Specifically refers to space that can be used for storing items.

vacant spot

Highlights a specific location that is unoccupied.

free zone

Implies a designated area that is clear and accessible.

surplus capacity

Emphasizes that there is more capacity than needed.

unoccupied area

Formally describes an area that is not currently in use.

open territory

Suggests a broad area that is available and unrestricted.

FAQs

How can I use "spare space" in a sentence?

You can use "spare space" to describe an area that is available or unused, such as "We converted the attic into a usable "spare room"" or "The new office design included "additional storage" for supplies".

What are some alternatives to "spare space"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "available area", "extra room", or "unused capacity".

Is it correct to use "spare space" in formal writing?

Yes, "spare space" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral term and can be used in various professional contexts.

What's the difference between "spare space" and "empty space"?

"Spare space" implies that the space is available for use or storage, while "empty space" simply refers to an area that is currently unoccupied. "Spare space" often suggests a potential for future use, unlike simply "empty space".