in the field

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the field" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express the idea of being in an area related to a certain profession or activity. For example, "I've been working in the field of medicine for the past 10 years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He played five innings in the field.

The New York Times - Sports

Wright played four innings in the field.

The New York Times

I was in the field a lot.

The New York Times

Wherever in the field that may be.

The New York Times - Sports

It's in the field of music.

The Economist

He did not play in the field.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Yukawa was prominent in the field.

The New York Times

He stood in the field staring.

The New Yorker

Others, too, are interested in the field.

The Economist

They are now consultants in the field.

The New York Times

He has friendly competition in the field.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing practical experience, use "in the field" to highlight real-world application over theoretical knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "in the field" repetitively in formal academic papers; instead, opt for more precise language that specifies the context or location of the activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the field" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying verbs or nouns to specify the location or context of an action or state. Ludwig shows that the phrase is typically part of a longer statement and adds practical significance to the sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

23%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Academia

10%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the field" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate practical application, direct experience, or activity outside of controlled environments. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, careful attention should be paid to avoiding overuse and ensuring specificity in formal writing. Alternatives such as "on location" or "in practice" may offer greater precision depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on location

Focuses on the physical presence at a specific site.

at the site

Emphasizes a particular place where work or activity is happening.

in practice

Highlights real-world application versus theoretical knowledge.

during fieldwork

Specifically relates to research or work conducted outside a lab or office.

in action

Conveys the idea of someone or something actively performing a task.

in the arena

Implies involvement in a competitive or challenging environment.

at work

Focuses on the state of being engaged in a particular activity or job.

on the ground

Emphasizes a practical, hands-on perspective or presence.

within the discipline

Highlights expertise or involvement within a particular academic or professional field.

in the profession

Refers to activities and roles within a specific vocational area.

FAQs

How can I use "in the field" in a sentence?

The phrase "in the field" indicates practical application or direct experience. For example, "Researchers collected data in the field" or "He has extensive experience in the field of engineering".

What are some alternatives to saying "in the field"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "on location", "in practice", or "during fieldwork".

Is it appropriate to use "in the field" in formal writing?

Yes, it's generally acceptable, but consider if more specific language would provide greater clarity. For instance, instead of "challenges in the field", specify "challenges during on-site testing".

What does "in the field" mean in the context of research?

In research, "in the field" typically refers to conducting studies or collecting data outside of a laboratory setting, often involving direct observation or experimentation in real-world environments.