a star system

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a star system" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a group of stars that are gravitationally bound to each other, often including a central star and its planets. Example: "The Milky Way galaxy contains billions of stars, many of which are part of a star system with their own planets and celestial bodies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Enron was a star system.

The New Yorker

"It's not a star system".

The New York Times - Sports

Nor is there a star system.

The New York Times - Arts

Procter & Gamble doesn't have a star system, either.

The New Yorker

One thing we don't have is a star system.

The New York Times

It quickly developed a star system and a tournament tour fashioned after that of professional golf.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Prompt.ly has something of a star-system of a team, including noted investors and advisers.

TechCrunch

Morningstar rates funds using a "star" system with five stars being the highest rating and one star being the lowest rating.

Forbes

18 A 'star system' (out of 9 stars) was used to describe the quality of studies.

BMJ Open

The scale incorporates a 'star system' in which each study can receive up to a maximum of nine stars if all criteria have been satisfied within three categories: selection, comparability and exposure/outcome.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

A 'star system' (range, 0 9) is used for assessment.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, "a star system" can evoke a sense of vastness and wonder, especially when contrasted with human scales.

Common error

Avoid using "a star system" when referring to entire galaxies. A galaxy contains billions of star systems, while a star system comprises a single star (or multiple stars) and its associated planets and other celestial objects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a star system" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to a gravitationally bound system of one or more stars and any objects orbiting them. This is supported by Ludwig examples where it describes astronomical entities and discoveries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

30%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a star system" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a system of stars and celestial bodies bound by gravity. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples from reputable sources. It is frequently encountered in scientific and news contexts, referring to astronomical discoveries and descriptions. While "a stellar system" and "a solar system" can be alternatives, "a star system" serves as a general term encompassing various stellar configurations. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with scientific accuracy and avoids confusion with larger structures like galaxies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solar system

Specifically refers to a star system with a star at its center, like our own.

a planetary system

Focuses specifically on the planets orbiting a star, rather than the star system as a whole.

an exoplanetary system

Focuses on systems outside our solar system that contain planets.

a binary star system

Specifies a system consisting of two stars orbiting each other.

a multi-star system

Highlights systems with more than two stars.

a stellar neighborhood

Emphasizes the spatial proximity of stars in a particular region of space.

a celestial system

More broadly refers to any system of celestial objects, not necessarily gravitationally bound.

a gravitationally bound system

Highlights the gravitational forces that hold the stars and other celestial bodies together.

a galaxy

Refers to a much larger structure containing billions of star systems.

a constellation

Refers to a group of stars that appear to form a pattern when viewed from Earth.

FAQs

How can I use "a star system" in a sentence?

You can use "a star system" to describe a group of stars and planets that are gravitationally bound, such as, "Scientists have discovered a new planet in "a star system" 40 light-years away."

What is the difference between "a star system" and "a galaxy"?

"A star system" refers to a single star or multiple stars bound together by gravity, often including planets. A "galaxy", on the other hand, is a massive collection of billions of stars, gas, and dust, containing countless "a star system".

What's another way to say "a star system"?

You could use the term "a stellar system" as a synonym for "a star system", although "a star system" is more commonly used. Alternatively, in the specific case of our Sun, you can use "a solar system".

Is "solar system" the same as "star system"?

While both refer to a star and the celestial bodies orbiting it, "a solar system" specifically refers to our Sun and its planets. "A star system" is a more general term applicable to any star and its orbiting bodies.