there is leeway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there is leeway" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that there is some flexibility or room for variation in a situation or decision. Example: "In our project timeline, there is leeway for adjustments if we encounter unexpected challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The will is there to buy a top international striker and there is leeway in terms of the transfer fee.

Independent

Furthermore, there is leeway for local agency; there are many divergent scales and flows linking places and people.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"There is leeway for commanders to make judgment calls, which is part of what commanders do," said Col. Steve Boylan, the public affairs officer for Gen. David H. Petraeus, the top commander in Iraq.

The New York Times

Mr. Kerry says that he will not have to face that choice, and that in his overall economic plan there is leeway for deficit reduction and expanded, subsidized health insurance.

The New York Times

"Please ask David Moyes" is undoubtedly a pretty accurate, literal translation but, when taken in isolation, there is leeway within the English to see this as a plea or cry for help: For God's sake, please, my loyal friends in the press, go all the way to Manchester for me and ask that horrible new Scotsman why he does not love me so.

The Guardian - Sport

It has been argued that there is leeway for researchers to consider culturally-relevant strategies for obtaining informed consent from participants.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Of course, it's just a prediction, and within each prediction there's leeway, and plenty of people who stray from the norm.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"There are lots of options available today, digitally," she said, before adding: "If you're a journalist you have to toe the line, but as a portraitist there's leeway".

Independent

In the question-and-answer session afterward (led by the former New York Times dance critic Jennifer Dunning), she explained that musical and dance structure followed a formula but that there was leeway within.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Maidment accepts that there is a reason for the regulation but thinks there should be leeway in cases like Chapel Down.

The New York Times

There can be leeway from the exact specifications, he said, adding, "Set it up fairly close, it will be fine.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there is leeway", ensure the context clearly defines the boundaries or areas where the flexibility exists. Avoid vague statements.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the amount of "leeway" available. Clearly define limitations to prevent misunderstandings or unmet expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is leeway" functions as an assertion of available flexibility or margin for variation within a given context. Ludwig AI indicates this expression is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there is leeway" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that indicates the existence of flexibility or room for adjustment within a specific context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid expression, though more common alternatives exist. While predominantly found in news and media sources, its applications extend to scientific and general contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure you clearly define the scope and limitations of the flexibility to avoid ambiguity. Remember that, while acceptable, there are some related options such as "there is room for flexibility", or "there is some flexibility" that can be used instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there is room for flexibility

Replaces "leeway" with "room for flexibility", emphasizing the availability of adaptability.

there is some flexibility

Similar to the original, but uses "some flexibility" to highlight a limited but existing degree of adaptability.

there is room to maneuver

Suggests the existence of strategic options or alternatives.

there is scope for adjustment

Emphasizes the possibility of modifying or tweaking something.

there is latitude

Uses a more formal term, "latitude", to indicate freedom from narrow restrictions.

there is a degree of freedom

Highlights the liberty to act or decide within certain boundaries.

there's space for variation

Focuses on the possibility of differences or changes within a set of parameters.

there is margin for error

Focuses on the allowance for mistakes within a process, rather than general adaptability.

there is give

Implies the presence of flexibility or the ability to yield under pressure.

there is wiggle room

An informal expression suggesting some space to maneuver or negotiate.

FAQs

How can I use "there is leeway" in a sentence?

You can use "there is leeway" to indicate flexibility or room for variation in a plan, rule, or process. For example: "In our project timeline, "there is leeway" for adjustments if we encounter unexpected challenges."

What's the difference between "there is leeway" and "there is flexibility"?

While similar, "there is leeway" often implies a bit more tolerance or give within established boundaries, while "there is flexibility" suggests a broader ability to adapt to different circumstances. They are highly interchangeable however.

What can I say instead of "there is leeway"?

You can use alternatives like "there is room for flexibility", "there is some flexibility", or "there is scope for adjustment" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "there's leeway" instead of "there is leeway"?

Yes, "there's leeway" is a common contraction of "there is leeway" and is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts. However, ""there is leeway"" is more suitable for formal writing.