a restricted circle of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a restricted circle of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a limited group of people or entities that have exclusive access or membership to something. Example: "The decisions were made by a restricted circle of advisors who had been chosen for their expertise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

No one – apart from a restricted circle of security officials – had ever seen documents of this kind before.

The Guardian

"Their real identity and terrorist aims were only known to a restricted circle of a few backers and assistants," the statement said.

The New York Times

Both Stefanoni and one of the report's co-authors – Carla Vecchiotti – are influential figures in a restricted circle of DNA experts in Italy and are no strangers to headline-grabbing cases.

The Guardian

The commentaries themselves served as material for the exposition of Aristotle's work to a restricted circle of advanced students.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I had received one of those academic honors that mean something in a restricted circle and little anywhere else.

The New Yorker

It also spoke of his "bypassing the restricted circle of intellectuals" and "producing best sellers".

The New York Times - Books

Ms. Bhattacharya said the book was not only targeted at initiating new readers — both Bengalis and non-Bengalis — to Mr. Tagore, but also unshackling the bard from the "restricted circle of aficionados" of Bengali literary establishment.

The New York Times

A restricted set of phenotypes was scored.

Plosone

Both are "small" by the limitations they place upon their inhabitants, but also because they make people live within restricted circles of acquaintance.

The Guardian - Books

The creations by Boesmans, Eötvös, Saariaho, Dusapin, Adès, Francesconi, Rihm or Benjamin, to quote only those, have all enjoyed considerable success well beyond the more restricted circles of contemporary opera lovers.

Huffington Post

"Knowledge of it has been kept to a very restricted circle," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a restricted circle of", ensure the context clearly indicates what the restriction pertains to, whether it's access, knowledge, or influence.

Common error

Avoid using "a restricted circle of" when the group is only loosely limited. Using it for a relatively open group diminishes the phrase's impact and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a restricted circle of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It denotes a limited group of individuals or entities, emphasizing the exclusivity or limitation associated with that group. Ludwig provides examples showing this phrase used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a restricted circle of" is a noun phrase used to describe a limited group of people with exclusive access or knowledge. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct, although relatively rare in occurrence. It is commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the nature of the restriction. Alternatives include "an exclusive group" or "a select few", depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exclusive group

Emphasizes exclusivity and privilege.

a select few

Highlights the small number of individuals included.

a closed group

Suggests a group that is not open to new members.

an inner circle

Implies a group with privileged access or influence.

a limited number of people

Focuses on the restricted quantity of individuals.

a privileged set

Highlights the advantages held by the group.

a small coterie

Uses a more formal term for a small, exclusive group.

a confidential network

Stresses the secrecy and trust within the group.

a private club

Suggests a formal organization with restricted membership.

a tight-knit community

Highlights the strong bonds and close relationships within the group.

FAQs

How can I use "a restricted circle of" in a sentence?

Use "a restricted circle of" to describe a group with limited access or knowledge, such as "The information was only shared within "a restricted circle of" advisors".

What's the difference between "a restricted circle of" and "an inner circle"?

"An inner circle" implies influence and privilege within a larger group, while ""a restricted circle of"" suggests limited access or knowledge, regardless of influence.

What are some alternatives to "a restricted circle of"?

Alternatives include "an exclusive group", "a select few", or "a closed group", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a restricted circle of" formal or informal?

"A restricted circle of" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, often appearing in news and academic writing.