What is space? Pronunciation and usage in English

space means . Learn how to pronounce and use space through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of space

spacenoun

/speɪs/
Definition & pronunciation of space

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "space" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /spes/ (rhymes with "beds")

Here's how to do it:

  1. "Sp" sound: Start with the "sp" sound – like in "spot" or "spin." This is the core of the word.
  2. "e" sound: Follow the "sp" with a short "e" sound, like in "bed" or "end." It's a quick, brief "e."

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • Sp-: As described above - "spes"
  • -ace: A very quick and subtle "ace" sound. It's almost like you're blending the "sp" and the "e" together as one syllable.

Here are some resources that can help you hear it:

  • Google Search: Just type "how to pronounce space" into Google and click the audio icon.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/space/ - This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce space" on YouTube, and you'll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

Important Note: There’s a less common, older pronunciation that rhymes with "place" (/pleɪs/). However, the /spes/ pronunciation is overwhelmingly the standard now.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?
  • Explain why it's often difficult for learners?

Usage and examples with the word space in English

Let's break down how to use the word "space" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. Physical Space (Area, Room, Distance)

  • Definition: A measurable area or region.
  • Examples:
    • “There isn’t enough space in the car for all our luggage.”
    • “We need to clear this space so we can dance.”
    • “The apartment has a small living room and a large kitchen space.”
    • “He gave me some personal space.” (Meaning: he backed off a bit)
    • “The space shuttle launched successfully.”

2. Void / Empty Area

  • Definition: A lack of something; emptiness.
  • Examples:
    • “There was a large space of silence in the room.”
    • “The country had a vast, empty space of desert.”
    • “A space opened up in his schedule.” (Meaning: a time slot became available)

3. Mathematics – Dimensions & Coordinates

  • Definition: Used in geometry to describe dimensions or locations.
  • Examples:
    • “Three space dimensions (length, width, and height).”
    • “The coordinates of the star are in space.” (Referring to the 3D universe)
    • “The rocket's trajectory through space.”

4. Astronomy – Outer Space

  • Definition: The vast expanse beyond Earth.
  • Examples:
    • “We traveled to space aboard the Voyager spacecraft.”
    • “The dark space between the stars.”
    • “Scientists are exploring the mysteries of space.”

5. Time – Intervals, Gaps

  • Definition: A period of time. Often used to describe gaps.
  • Examples:
    • “There’s a 30-minute space between meetings.”
    • “We need to leave some space in the schedule for questions.”
    • "He left a large space of time between jobs.”

6. Computing – Memory, Storage

  • Definition: Used to describe available memory or storage capacity.
  • Examples:
    • “The computer has 8 GB of space.”
    • "Please free up some space on your hard drive.”

7. Figurative/Abstract “Space”

  • Definition: A mental or emotional quality; a place for something to exist or develop.
  • Examples:
    • “She needs some space to think.” (Meaning: she needs time and privacy to herself)
    • “He has a lot of creative space.” (Meaning: he’s very open to new ideas)
    • “There’s no space for negativity in our relationship.” (Meaning: we shouldn’t allow negative feelings to dominate).

8. “Space” as a Verb

  • Definition: To create or leave room for something.
  • Examples:
    • "Please space the words out evenly on the page."
    • "The designer spaced the furniture carefully in the room."

Tips for Using “Space” Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "space" changes depending on the context. Pay attention to the surrounding words.
  • Prepositions: “Space for…” is a common phrase (e.g., “space for guests,” “space to sit”).
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms to avoid repetition – “room,” “area,” “interval,” “gap,” “void.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say that you're using the word "space" in? (e.g., a story, an email, a description?)

Idioms of the word space

be in a good, bad, dark, etc. place
to be feeling happy, sad, worried, etc. about something; to be in a good, bad, unhappy, etc. state
  • I'm happy now. I'm in a good place.
  • Me and Ed are in a good space right now.
  • The economy is in a better place than it was a year ago.
  • He was in a bad place, mentally and emotionally.
  • She was in a dark place after her mother's death.
look/stare/gaze into space
to look straight in front of you without looking at a particular thing, usually because you are thinking about something
  • He sat staring into space, like a man in a trance.
  • She sat there motionless, staring into space.
a waste of space
(informal)a person who is not useful or good at anything
  • You are a pathetic waste of space!
watch this space
(informal)used in orders, to tell somebody to wait for more news about something to be announced
  • I can't tell you any more right now, but watch this space.

Practice with vocabulary space

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. There isn't enough _____ in the server room for another rack; we'll need to reconfigure the layout.
  2. The city council approved the creation of more green _____ for public recreation and environmental benefit.
  3. For effective communication, it's important to leave sufficient _____ between your main points in a presentation.
  4. The new urban development project aims to optimize the available land _____ for mixed-use buildings.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (select all that apply)

  1. Which of these words can refer to an empty area or an interval between things? a) gap b) void c) space d) expanse

  2. The architectural design for the new office building prioritizes efficient utilization of all available _____. a) footprint b) volume c) space d) dimensions

  3. Which term is most appropriate when discussing the three-dimensional extent in which objects and events have relative position and direction, often without limits? a) universe b) cosmos c) space d) realm

  4. To ensure clarity and professional presentation, you should adjust the _____ between lines of text in your report. a) separation b) interval c) spacing d) distance

  5. When designing a website, it's crucial to consider the visual _____ to prevent clutter and improve readability. a) composition b) layout c) balance d) arrangement

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The small office didn't have much room for additional furniture. (Rewrite using a form of "space")
  2. It is important to put adequate distance between components to prevent overheating. (Rewrite using a form of "space")
  3. The company is looking for a new facility that can hold all its expanding operations. (Rewrite without using "space" or its forms)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. space
  2. space
  3. spacing
  4. area

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) gap, b) void, c) space, d) expanse
  2. a) footprint, c) space
  3. c) space
  4. c) spacing
  5. b) layout, d) arrangement

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The small office lacked sufficient space for additional furniture.
  2. It is important to allow adequate spacing between components to prevent overheating.
  3. The company is seeking a new facility that can accommodate all its expanding operations.

Comment ()