in some circles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in some circles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to certain small, typically exclusive social groups, such as "In some circles, wearing a hat indoors is considered very rude."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

In some circles, that's political".

The New Yorker

The reaction was sharp in some circles.

The New York Times

Regulation's a bad word in some circles.

The New York Times

In some circles, teaching young children to code raises eyebrows.

The New York Times - Science

In some circles, the rebel leader was becoming a martyr.

The New Yorker

But subtlety and reality don't play well in some circles.

The New York Times

In some circles, it's even a sign of good taste.

The New York Times

And in some circles, he would be welcome.

The Economist

In some circles, being inaccessible is a status symbol.

The New York Times

In some circles he has already been dubbed "47".

The New York Times

In some circles the Strokes have retained their appeal.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in some circles" to indicate that an idea or practice is not universally accepted, but is common within a particular group. This can add nuance and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in some circles" when the idea or practice is actually widespread. Ensure that the context truly reflects a limited or specific group.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in some circles" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the limited scope or prevalence of an idea, behavior, or characteristic. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly usable and correct in the written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in some circles" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that a particular idea, behavior, or trend is prevalent within a specific group, but not universally accepted. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's commonly found in news and media, as well as encyclopedia contexts, reflecting its neutral register and broad applicability. When using "in some circles", it's important to avoid overgeneralization and ensure that the context reflects a limited or specific group. Alternatives like "among certain groups" or "within certain cliques" can be used to add nuance. Overall, "in some circles" is a valuable tool for precise and nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

among certain groups

Replaces "circles" with "groups", emphasizing a collection of individuals sharing a characteristic.

within certain cliques

Substitutes "circles" with "cliques", implying a more exclusive or tight-knit group.

in select communities

Uses "communities" instead of "circles", suggesting a shared location or interest.

among some factions

Replaces "circles" with "factions", indicating groups with differing opinions or interests.

within particular sets

Uses "sets" instead of "circles", conveying a collection of items or people.

in certain echelons

Replaces "circles" with "echelons", implying a hierarchical or structured group.

among specific segments

Substitutes "circles" with "segments", suggesting a portion of a larger population.

within defined networks

Uses "networks" instead of "circles", emphasizing interconnected individuals or groups.

in restricted milieus

Replaces "circles" with "milieus", indicating a social environment or setting.

among limited coteries

Substitutes "circles" with "coteries", implying a small, intimate group of people with shared interests.

FAQs

How do I use "in some circles" in a sentence?

Use "in some circles" to indicate that a particular idea, behavior, or trend is prevalent within a specific group, but not necessarily widespread. For example, "In some circles, minimalism is seen as a status symbol".

What can I say instead of "in some circles"?

You can use alternatives such as "among certain groups", "within certain cliques", or "in select communities" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "in certain circles" or "in some circles"?

"In certain circles" and "in some circles" are largely interchangeable. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference, but both convey the idea that something is true or common within a limited group.

What's the difference between "in some circles" and "among experts"?

"In some circles" refers to a social or cultural group, while "among experts" refers specifically to people with specialized knowledge. The former suggests a shared identity or interest, while the latter suggests professional competence.