inner circle

USAGE SUMMARY

"inner circle" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to indicate a tight-knit group of people who hold a unique or influential position. For example, "He had an inner circle of friends who were the most influential people in his life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only the inner circle".

The New York Times

They're like an inner circle.

The New York Times

Blair's inner circle were impressed.

The Guardian

Part of the inner circle?

The Guardian - Books

Will the inner circle follow?

The New Yorker

His inner circle functions the same way.

The New York Times - Sports

You were admitted to the inner circle".

The New York Times

Fadl was part of its inner circle.

The New Yorker

His fingerprints extend to Trump's inner circle.

University of California, Berkeley

All of this, Christie's inner circle knows.

The Washington Post

LEAVING the inner circle is final.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inner circle" to describe a group of people who are close to a leader or decision-maker and have influence over them.

Common error

Don't use "inner circle" excessively. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and cliché. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "close associates" or "core group" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inner circle" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific group of individuals who are closest to a person of power or influence. Ludwig AI shows that it's generally well-received and widely understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inner circle" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase, denoting a close-knit, influential group of individuals. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, as well as academic writing. While generally neutral in tone, care should be taken to avoid overuse and consider alternative phrases like "close associates" or "core group" to prevent repetitiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close associates

Focuses on the relationship between people, emphasizing closeness and collaboration.

core group

Emphasizes the centrality and essential nature of the group.

trusted advisors

Highlights the advisory role and the trust placed in the individuals.

inner sanctum

Emphasizes the exclusivity and privacy of the group.

tight-knit group

Emphasizes the strong bonds and close relationships within the group.

elite group

Focuses on the high status and exclusivity of the group.

power circle

Highlights the influence and control wielded by the group.

select few

Highlights the limited number of people included.

inner cabinet

Specifically refers to a group of close advisors in a political context.

exclusive clique

Highlights the exclusivity and often negative connotations of the group.

FAQs

How can I use "inner circle" in a sentence?

You can use "inner circle" to describe a group of trusted advisors or close associates, as in "The president relies heavily on his "inner circle" for key decisions".

What is another way to say "inner circle"?

Alternatives to "inner circle" include "close associates", "core group", or "trusted advisors", depending on the specific context.

Is "inner circle" formal or informal?

"Inner circle" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends on the overall tone and audience of your writing.

What's the difference between "inner circle" and "team"?

While both terms refer to groups of people, "inner circle" implies a higher degree of intimacy, trust, and influence than "team", which can simply refer to a group working together on a project.