elite circles

USAGE SUMMARY

"elite circles" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to small, exclusive groups or communities of individuals who are considered to be the most powerful, influential, or wealthy in society. Example: The invitation to the exclusive gala dinner was highly coveted among members of elite circles, as it provided a rare opportunity to network with the most successful business leaders in the country.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Such prejudices were common, especially in elite circles.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is not alone in elite circles in expressing such views.

The Economist

He has moved in elite circles and has an advanced degree.

The New York Times

It caused great alarm within elite circles in Saudi Arabia and sent ripples throughout the region.

The New York Times

"It's about exploring art beyond classic limitations of intellectualism, and elite circles.

The New York Times

But his moderate views were unpopular in elite circles, and he has remained in the neighborhood.

The New York Times

Admittedly, the smears against Mr. Obama have not achieved the comparable legitimacy in elite circles.

The New York Times

She grew up in elite circles and eventually became Chairman Mao's English teacher.

The New York Times

Reminders of the storm were to be found in even the most elite circles of New York society.

The New York Times

Roshaneh grew up in elite circles here in Lahore and studied business at the Wharton School and economics at Yale.

The New York Times

That comes in a lot more expensive than your standard year in Mumbai, the Philippines, or London's less elite circles.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "elite circles", consider the specific context and ensure it accurately reflects the group's characteristics. Avoid using it as a blanket term without considering nuances of power, influence, and exclusivity.

Common error

Avoid using "elite circles" as a catch-all phrase for any group of successful or influential people. Ensure that the context genuinely involves exclusivity and significant power dynamics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elite circles" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it designates exclusive and influential groups within a particular sphere, such as politics, business, or society.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "elite circles" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to exclusive and influential groups within society. As verified by Ludwig, the phrase carries a neutral to formal register and is predominantly found in news and media contexts. It's crucial to consider the specific connotations of exclusivity and power dynamics when employing this phrase, avoiding overgeneralization. To enhance writing precision, alternatives like "inner circles" or "power elites" can be used depending on the desired nuance. With a solid grammatical foundation and widespread usage, "elite circles" remains a valuable term for describing societal power structures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inner circles

Focuses on the idea of being within a privileged and influential group.

upper echelons

Emphasizes the hierarchical structure and high-ranking positions within the group.

power elites

Highlights the concentration of power and influence within the group.

influential networks

Focuses on the connections and relationships that contribute to the group's influence.

privileged communities

Highlights the advantages and benefits enjoyed by members of the group.

high society

Emphasizes the social status and exclusive social events associated with the group.

the establishment

Refers to the dominant and often conservative forces within a society or field.

corridors of power

Emphasizes the access and influence the group has within political systems.

executive suites

Specifically refers to the highest levels of corporate leadership and decision-making.

exclusive ranks

Highlights the difficulty of entering or joining the group due to its selective nature.

FAQs

How can I use "elite circles" in a sentence?

You can use "elite circles" to refer to exclusive groups with significant influence, such as "The policy change was met with resistance from the "highest levels" of the financial industry's elite circles.".

What are some alternatives to "elite circles"?

Alternatives to "elite circles" include phrases like "inner circles", "power elites", or "influential networks", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "elite circles" in formal writing?

Yes, "elite circles" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing social structures, power dynamics, or exclusive groups within specific industries or societies.

What distinguishes "elite circles" from simply "successful people"?

"Elite circles" implies not only success but also exclusivity, privilege, and a degree of separation from the general public. It suggests a closed network with significant influence, whereas "successful people" is a broader term.