field

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'field' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a noun to refer to an open land area used for a particular purpose, such as farming, or as a verb meaning to search thoroughly and widely. Example: The farmers in the field were harvesting wheat.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a wide-open field.

The Guardian - Film

We're playing pretty well right now, and we want to keep the focus on the field".

The New York Times - Sports

It has the second largest oil reserves among the former Soviet republics after Russia, and its oil exports are expected to soar as its huge Kashagan oil field, in the Caspian Sea, develops.

The Guardian

BG Both clubs have such long casualty lists that they are hardly able to rest all their players even if they wanted to, so both should field strong sides.

The Guardian - Sport

But he found trouble in running at Sandown and this tricky track may not be easy for a horse of his inexperience, breaking from a wide stall in a big field.

The Guardian - Sport

That was at Thirsk and there is no denying that others in this field have stronger form claims but few have her potential for improvement on just her second start and her pedigree is a pleasing blend of speed and more speed.

The Guardian - Sport

So far, we've been spared any plugs for athletes' personal sponsors because the Olympic branding rules forbid them (to keep the field clear for overall advertisers such as Coca Cola and Adidas).

The Guardian - Opinion

Stella Creasy, the energetic MP for Walthamstow, has made this a central pillar of her bid for the party's deputy leadership but the field is crowded.

The Guardian - Opinion

The uniform worn by his commanding officer, General Sir Richard Nelson "Windy" Gale, is now displayed in a museum that Prince Charles opened in 2000 and the old Pegasus Bridge, replaced by a new bridge in 1994 and left to rot in a field, has been cleaned up and preserved.

The Guardian

As for fundamentalist Christian grievances with the school system – perceived as godless and unfriendly to their evangelical cause – Boston pointed out the "incredible mission field" that would be America's public school students.

The Guardian

Clarke said: "The first priority of any British government is to provide for the security of the citizens of the country, and at the moment in the criminal field all the major activity is international, whether you're talking about international people trafficking, drug dealing, whether you're talking about illegal migration or whether you're talking about counter-terrorism.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "field" to describe an area of study, ensure it aligns with established disciplines. For instance, "the field of medicine" is standard, while a more niche area might require further clarification.

Common error

Avoid using "field" excessively in formal writing when more specific terms like "area", "domain", or "discipline" would provide greater clarity. This enhances precision and sophistication in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "field" is as a noun, referring to a physical area or a domain of study. It can also function as a verb, meaning to catch or deal with something. Ludwig AI validates its multifaceted nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Sport

25%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "field" is a versatile term with multiple meanings, functioning primarily as a noun to denote a physical area or a sphere of activity. It also serves as a verb, meaning to catch or deal with something. As noted by Ludwig AI, the grammatical status of "field" is correct, with common usage across News & Media, Sport, and Opinion contexts. When more precision is required, alternatives like "area", "domain", or "discipline" can be used. Remember to avoid overusing "field" in formal writing to maintain clarity and sophistication. The term's widespread presence in authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times underscores its reliability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

area of expertise

Focuses on the specialized knowledge or skill within a particular domain, rather than the domain itself.

domain of knowledge

Highlights the intellectual aspect of a subject, focusing on the understanding and information it encompasses.

playing surface

Specifically refers to the prepared ground used for sports, emphasizing its physical characteristics.

open country

Refers to a rural or undeveloped land area, emphasizing its natural state and lack of urban development.

line of work

Highlights the professional aspect of one's occupation.

battleground

Implies a site of conflict or competition, highlighting the adversarial nature of the setting.

sector

Describes a specific segment of the economy or industry, emphasizing its organizational structure.

sphere of influence

Indicates the extent to which someone or something has power or control within a certain area.

theatre of operations

Often used in military contexts, this refers to the geographical area where military activities are taking place.

the outfield

Specifically refers to the outer part of a baseball field

FAQs

How can I use "field" in a sentence?

You can use "field" in a sentence to refer to an open area of land, such as, "The cows were grazing in the field." It can also refer to an area of study or expertise, as in, "She is an expert in the field of archaeology."

What are some alternatives to using "field" when referring to an area of expertise?

When referring to an area of expertise, you can use alternatives like "domain", "area", "discipline", or "specialty", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the field of study" or "the study field"?

The correct phrase is "the field of study." The phrase "study field" is not standard English.

What is the difference between "field" and "arena"?

"Field" typically refers to a physical space or a broad area of activity, while "arena" often implies a competitive or public environment. For example, you might say "the field of science" but "the political arena".