internal and external

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "internal and external" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe two distinct types or sources of something. For example, "We need to consider both the internal and external factors that are influencing the current situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Money has an "internal" and "external" price.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Comprehensive sagging, internal and external.

The New York Times

Internal and external opponents are generated.

The Guardian

Internal and external security is inextricably linked.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rinse with water internal and external ports.

Nature

It can cause internal and external bleeding.

The Guardian

Identify potential internal and external monetization opportunities.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Looking for internal and external funding sources?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Report to internal and external sources.

Yale University

Acting training generally consists of developing internal and external elements.

The Guardian - Opinion

Success lies in depicting our innate internal and external conflicts.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "internal and external", ensure that the context clearly defines what aspects are being considered from each perspective. For example, in business, clarify whether you're discussing internal processes and external market forces.

Common error

Avoid using "internal and external" when the two categories aren't clearly distinct or have significant overlap. This can lead to confusion and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "internal and external" serves as a coordinate conjunction to denote two complementary aspects or perspectives of a subject. It's used to encompass both inward-facing and outward-facing elements, as exemplified by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "internal and external" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to provide a comprehensive view by considering both inward and outward perspectives. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various domains, including news, academia, and science. To ensure clarity, always define the specific aspects being considered from each perspective. Alternatives such as "inside and outside" or "domestic and foreign" can be used depending on the context. By avoiding overlapping scopes, writers can effectively leverage this phrase to strengthen their analysis and arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inside and outside

Replaces "internal" with "inside" and "external" with "outside", offering a more casual tone.

inner and outer

Similar to "inside and outside", this pairing emphasizes spatial or conceptual enclosure.

from within and without

Emphasizes the sources of influence or factors being considered.

inward and outward

Offers a more metaphorical alternative, suitable for discussing feelings or directions of focus.

local and global

Provides a broader perspective, often used in discussions about scope or impact.

domestic and foreign

Substitutes "internal" and "external" with terms related to national context.

national and international

Replaces "internal" and "external" with terms relating to geopolitical contexts.

in-house and outsourced

Relevant in business contexts, indicating whether operations are conducted within the company or by external parties.

intrinsic and extrinsic

Replaces "internal" and "external" with more technical terms, often used in scientific or philosophical contexts.

endogenous and exogenous

Uses scientific terms to denote origin from within versus from without.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "internal and external" in a sentence?

Use "internal and external" to highlight contrasting elements or perspectives. For instance, "The company needs to address both "internal and external" challenges to succeed".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "internal and external"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "inside and outside", "domestic and foreign", or "intrinsic and extrinsic".

Is it always necessary to use both "internal" and "external" together?

No, you can use "internal" or "external" separately if you only need to refer to one aspect. However, using them together emphasizes a comprehensive view.

How does the meaning of "internal and external" change across different fields?

While the core meaning remains consistent, the specific applications vary. In business, it might refer to company operations and market forces, while in medicine, it could describe conditions within and outside the body.