industry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "industry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific sector of the economy or a field of work. Example: "The technology industry is rapidly evolving with new innovations every year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Every country in the world has a right to self-defence and I'm determined to put Britain's first-class defence industry at the forefront of this market, supporting 300,000 jobs across the country".

The Guardian - Business

Two films received seven nominations: The Insider, the true story of a whistle-blower in the tobacco industry, and The Cider House Rules, an adaptation of the John Irving novel set in a New England orphanage.

The Guardian - Film

This conference brings together best practice examples, policy leaders and industry experts to discuss the challenges facing social care providers and IT support teams.

The Guardian

In response, it cleaned up its act, and thereby lifted the bar for the entire industry.

The New York Times

Clearly, the recent spotlight on conditions at Foxconn has performed a similar service for the electronics industry.

The New York Times

But it's not at all clear that the number of jobs created by, say, an expanding solar industry would be greater than the number lost through, say, a shrinking coal-mining industry.

The Economist

The industry?

The New York Times

He returned to Japan with his wife and founded Nikka, a company that, along with Suntory, is one of the pillars of the Japanese whisky industry.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The nascent Japanese whisky industry was built on Scottish components: Scottish stills, Scottish barley and even, it is alleged, Scottish water, were shipped to Japan.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Inside the cocoon of an event where the main sponsors don't accept that human caused climate change is even real, the news from Beijing seemed to further outline how rapidly the world could change – whether the coal industry likes it or not.

The Guardian

Headlines about mega-salaries for blockbusters suggest a degree of industry transparency.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "industry" in contexts that relate to economic activity, business operations, or manufacturing processes.

Common error

Don't use "industry" without specifying which one you're referring to. Vague references can confuse readers. Always provide specific context or examples to clarify the subject matter.

Linguistic Context

The word "industry" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a specific branch of economic or commercial activity. It can denote a particular sector (e.g., the "film industry") or the collective businesses involved in a similar type of production or service. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Academic sources

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "industry" is a noun widely used to describe a specific branch of economic activity or a group of businesses involved in similar activities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage, particularly in news and business contexts. While generally neutral, its formality increases when referring to economic sectors in professional communications. Related phrases include "business sector" and "economic sector". When using "industry", specificity is key to avoid vagueness. Major sources like The Guardian and The New York Times frequently employ the term in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

business sector

Refers to a specific segment of the economy, similar to defining a particular "industry".

economic sector

Highlights the economic aspect of an "industry", focusing on its contribution to the economy.

field of endeavor

Emphasizes the effort and activity involved in a particular "industry".

area of specialization

Focuses on the specific skills and knowledge required within an "industry".

production sector

Highlights the manufacturing and output aspects of an "industry".

trade

Highlights the commercial aspect of an "industry", focusing on buying and selling.

manufacturing

Focuses specifically on the production of goods within an "industry".

work ethic

Highlights the diligence and commitment associated with success in an "industry".

industrial activity

Focuses on the operations and processes within an "industry".

line of work

Refers to a specific type of job or profession within an "industry".

FAQs

What does "industry" mean?

The term "industry" generally refers to a group of businesses that produce similar goods or services, or the sector of an economy consisting of large-scale enterprises.

What are some examples of industries?

Common examples include the technology industry, the "tourism" industry, the "manufacturing" industry, and the "financial services" industry.

How can I use "industry" in a sentence?

You can use "industry" to describe a particular sector's performance, challenges, or trends. For example, "The software industry continues to grow" or "The "steel" industry faces significant challenges".

What's the difference between "industry" and "sector"?

"Industry" typically refers to a specific group of companies or businesses, while "sector" is a broader term that can encompass multiple industries within an economy. They are often used interchangeably but "sector" provides a wider overview.