"To make space" or "to make a space"?

Both are acceptable but mean slightly different things. "To make a space" implies that a specific open area is being made for a specific purpose or object in a particular location. "To make space" is more vague and relaxed and denotes the creation of more available space in general. In some cases one is more appropriate than the other, and in other cases both would work. As a native speaker my ear has a preference for "to make space" so I'd prefer that form if there is overlap.

TypeIA

Posted 2018-09-12T12:28:40.843

Reputation: 8 079

9There is an implication of discreteness. 'A space' implies they are countable, like chairs or desks or parking spaces or something. 'Space' implies continuous space which isn't being counted, like in a park or on the ocean. – user1908704 – 2018-09-12T21:06:00.473

1Also, "make a space" could imply that there currently isn't any space, while "make space" could imply adding more space to an existing space. – jaxad0127 – 2018-09-12T22:38:21.457

This is correct. Another way to think of it is to view "to make space" as a short version of "to make some space". – BradC – 2018-09-13T14:23:10.123

We usually say: "make some space", for a specific item. eg: Could you make some space for my rocking chair? – Vic – 2018-09-24T10:31:45.477

"To make space" or "to make a space"?

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