spare with

USAGE SUMMARY

'spare with' is not a correct or usable phrase in written English.
Instead, you could use the phrase 'sparing with'. This phrase is used to describe someone who is being cautious or frugal with something. For example: "I'm trying to be sparing with my money this month."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

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Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is spare, with a blood-red couch.

The New York Times

His movement is lean and spare, with terrific reach.

The Guardian - Music

The four-bedroom bungalow is simple and spare, with rooms arranged around a garden courtyard.

The New York Times

During the 1950s Cornell's boxes became more spare, with less texture and more open space.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Callahan, it turns out, is spare with words because they are the same as time.

The New Yorker

The décor is spare with overhanging industrial light fixtures being the prominent design feature.

The New York Times

The ending is hauntingly spare, with major and minor chords in alternation.

The New Yorker

Its facade is tight and spare, with great bays of metal casement windows, miraculously mostly intact.

The New York Times

He had smarts, poise, leadership, experience and speed to spare, with adequate arm strength and accuracy.

The Washington Post

The rooms are spare, with cooking facilities near the entrance, and a private bath.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

His coach, the gruff and spare-with-praise Pat Burns, said Brodeur was among the N.H.L.'s greatest at his position.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "sparing with" instead of "spare with", as the former is grammatically correct and widely accepted in various contexts. For example, "Be sparing with your praise to make it more meaningful."

Common error

Avoid using "spare with" when you mean to say "economical with" or "thrifty with". "Spare" as an adjective typically refers to something extra or available, while "sparing" describes being economical or restrained.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spare with" functions as part of a verb phrase, often describing how someone manages or uses resources, qualities, or information. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, it's not grammatically correct, and the correct alternative is "sparing with".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Travel

11%

Sports

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Books

6%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "spare with" appears frequently across diverse sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. The intended meaning typically revolves around being economical or frugal in using a resource, but the correct phrasing is "sparing with". It's important to note that while this phrase may occur commonly, writers should aim for grammatical accuracy by using "sparing with" or similar alternatives such as "be economical with" to ensure clarity and correctness in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be frugal with

Highlights thriftiness and avoiding extravagance, shifting the focus from simple sparing to mindful spending.

be restrained with

Highlights the act of holding back and exercising control over something, adding an element of self-regulation.

be conservative with

Focuses on cautious use to preserve resources, adding a layer of strategic preservation to the concept.

be economical with

Emphasizes efficient use and avoiding waste, differing from "spare with" by focusing on resourcefulness.

use sparingly

Highlights the limited use of something, altering the expression from a possessive sense to a descriptive action.

economize on

Focuses on reducing expenses or consumption, aligning with the idea of saving but more directly linked to financial aspects.

skimp on

Implies cutting back or reducing the quality of something, which relates to the concept of conserving but with a negative connotation.

have in abundance

Implies a plentiful supply, which is opposite to the concept of "spare with" which indicates a measured or limited amount.

provide generously

Offers an antonymic perspective by emphasizing abundance and giving freely, contrasting sharply with the idea of sparing.

be lavish with

Suggests an extravagant use of something, which is the contrary of being sparing and measured.

FAQs

Is "spare with" grammatically correct?

No, "spare with" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase to use is "sparing with" which means to be economical or frugal with something.

What does "sparing with" mean?

"Sparing with" means to be frugal or economical in the use of something. It suggests using something in a restrained or careful manner to avoid waste or overuse.

Can I use "economical with" instead of "spare with"?

While "spare with" is not considered grammatically correct, you can use "economical with" or "frugal with" to convey a similar meaning of using something carefully and avoiding waste.

What are some similar phrases to "sparing with"?

Similar phrases to "sparing with" include "economical with", "frugal with", "conservative with", and "use sparingly". These all suggest a restrained or careful use of something.