inner sanctum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'inner sanctum' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a special, private, or secret place. For example, you could say: "The professor invited me into his inner sanctum to discuss his research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The inner sanctum".

The Guardian - Sport

Inner sanctum: The bathtub.

The New York Times - Magazine

These days, the inner sanctum is nearly always empty.

The New Yorker

The Underwoods invite a family into their inner sanctum.

The New York Times

He did so from that dynasty's inner sanctum.

The Economist

It was like entering an inner sanctum," he said.

The Washington Post

Nixon's people agreed to let him into the inner sanctum.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Udall has tried to revive the Wednesday inner-sanctum lunch.

The New Yorker

Mr. Gallagher left for his "inner-sanctum meeting" but promised to brief me later.

The New York Times

In the end he entered its inner sanctum and disappeared.

The New York Times - Arts

Downstairs was a dark lounge full of beat-up furniture called the Inner Sanctum.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inner sanctum" when referring to a place or group that is highly private and exclusive. It's best suited for situations where access is carefully controlled.

Common error

Avoid using "inner sanctum" to describe places or groups that are generally accessible to the public. The phrase implies a high degree of privacy and exclusivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inner sanctum" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It denotes a place or group of people considered private, exclusive, and central to power or influence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inner sanctum" refers to a private, exclusive, and often secret place or group. It's grammatically correct and very common in written English, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Academic contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is typically used to describe a special, private, or secret place. Related phrases include "private chamber", "secret place", and "inner circle". When using the phrase, ensure that the context warrants the implication of high privacy and exclusivity. Remember, "inner sanctum" suggests controlled access, making it unsuitable for describing public spaces. The top authoritative sources using this phrase are The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

private chamber

Emphasizes the physical privacy and exclusivity of the space.

secret place

Highlights the hidden and confidential nature of the location.

holy of holies

Refers to the innermost sacred space, often with religious connotations.

inner circle

Focuses on the exclusive group of people with access or influence.

private domain

Implies ownership and control over the space or area.

exclusive retreat

Suggests a place of seclusion and luxury.

hidden sanctuary

Combines the ideas of secrecy and refuge.

restricted area

Highlights the limitations on access and entry.

most intimate space

Focuses on the personal and private nature of the location.

core group

Refers to a central group of people, often in a business or political context.

FAQs

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

You can use "inner sanctum" to describe a very private place or the core group within an organization. For example, "The CEO's office felt like the company's inner sanctum" or "Only a few advisors were part of the president's inner sanctum".

What's a good alternative to "inner sanctum"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "private chamber", "secret place", or "inner circle".

Is "inner sanctum" formal or informal?

"Inner sanctum" leans towards a more formal register, suitable for news articles, professional communications, and descriptive writing. It's less common in casual conversation.

Can "inner sanctum" refer to a group of people?

Yes, "inner sanctum" can refer to a group of people, specifically the core group within an organization or a select few who have privileged access to information or decision-making. For instance, "the inner sanctum of the royal court".