Our sphere of influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Our sphere of influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the area or domain in which someone or something has power, control, or effect. Example: "In our negotiations, we must consider the limits of our sphere of influence to avoid overstepping boundaries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Sunridge Gold has said it will "understand, promote and uphold fundamental human rights within our sphere of influence, respecting the traditional rights of Indigenous peoples and valuing cultural heritage".

The Guardian

A field commander who fought in Ukraine and knew many of those who died in Syria told the Russian paper Moskovsky Komsomolets, "They believed they went to defend the Russian world on the edges of our sphere of influence.

The New Yorker

"First of all, we must realize it is impossible for us to influ ence very much a society so different from our own, so far from our sphere of influence," Mr. McGovern said.

The New York Times

In 1823, to deter European powers from military or political intervention in the emerging nations of Latin America, President James Monroe announced a policy implying that that region was our sphere of influence, not Europe's.

The Washington Post

The admiration in which many held us was gravely damaged by the war in Iraq, just as it has long been damaged in Latin America by U.S. interventions in the affairs of nations we claimed were in our sphere of influence.

The Washington Post

Our sales quota, our bottom line profit, our results are affected by a million variables that are completely outside of our control, our sphere of influence.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Truth is, we all have 'people,' those in our sphere of influence--neighbors, co-workers, friends, our children.

HuffPost

We understand it is also our responsibility and our time to demonstrate leadership by taking bold actions in all our spheres of influence.

Huffington Post

The election of the next president is offering us new opportunities to inwardly dive deeper than we ever have before... to empower the disenfranchised to vote, to encourage others to Meditate the Vote, to encourage deliberate thoughtful reflection, and dialogue on the necessity of choosing within our spheres of influence what is best for ALL.

Huffington Post

It's as if insects fall outside our realm of expertise, our sphere of direct influence; food, on the other hand, is something we're all accustomed to controlling, preparing and managing.

The New York Times - Magazine

We consider Afghanistan, though ostensibly independent, as still within our sphere of political influence, and are anxious to discourage any proceedings which imply that we are not concerned in the foreign relations of that country".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "our sphere of influence", clearly define the boundaries and extent of that influence to avoid ambiguity. Be specific about what aspects are within your control or impact.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the reach of "our sphere of influence". Base your claims on verifiable facts and realistic assessments to maintain credibility and avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our sphere of influence" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement, direct object, or object of a preposition. It identifies the scope or range where an entity exerts power, control, or impact. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "our sphere of influence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that refers to the extent of control or impact that someone or something has. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, business, and formal settings. While generally neutral in tone, being mindful of overstating the extent of this influence is crucial. Alternatives such as "our area of control" or "our scope of impact" can provide nuanced variations depending on the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Our area of control

This alternative focuses on the aspect of direct control rather than general influence.

Our realm of authority

This phrase emphasizes the legitimate power and jurisdiction within a specific domain.

Our scope of impact

This option highlights the effect and reach that "we" have on something.

Our domain of power

This alternative underscores the power dynamic and the area where that power is exercised.

Our sphere of activity

This phrase focuses on the range of actions and operations that are within our capacity.

Our circle of control

This implies a more personal and close range of control.

Our reach of influence

This highlights the extent to which our influence extends.

The area we influence

This is a simpler and more direct way of expressing the area affected by "us".

Our zone of control

This term emphasizes a specific geographic or strategic region under our control.

Our range of effect

This highlights the extent to which our actions have an effect.

FAQs

How can I use "our sphere of influence" in a sentence?

You can use "our sphere of influence" to describe the area or group over which you or your organization has some level of control or impact. For instance, "We aim to improve education within "our sphere of influence"".

What are some alternatives to "our sphere of influence"?

Alternatives include "our area of control", "our realm of authority", or "our scope of impact", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sphere of influence" formal or informal?

"Sphere of influence" is generally considered a neutral to formal term, suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts. More informal settings might benefit from simpler language.

How does "our sphere of influence" differ from "our area of responsibility"?

"Our sphere of influence" refers to the area where we can affect change, while "our area of responsibility" denotes where we are accountable. The former is about power and impact, and the latter is about duty.