is external to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is external to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is outside of or not part of a particular system, context, or entity. Example: "The new policy is external to the existing regulations and will not affect current practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An extern (who is "external" to the organization) follows someone through the workday for a few days to a few weeks.

The New York Times

According to some, there are two possible options: either the mind is internal to the body (internalism) or the mind is external to it (externalism).

Wikipedia

That is external to writing and certainly not essential.

The New York Times

I'm considering the option of an A.D.D. coach who is external to the college.

The New York Times

"The push for the anti-homophobia campaign is external to us".

Independent

Drop in with a financial wellness peer mentor link is external) to help you understand your personal finances.

University of California, Berkeley

Your opponent's behaviors, offers, and demands should have no effect on your reservation price, which is external to the negotiation.

Harvard University

Cytoplasm, the semifluid substance of a cell that is external to the nuclear membrane and internal to the cellular membrane, sometimes described as the nonnuclear content of protoplasm.

Britannica

A preamplifier is simply a radio frequency (RF) amplifier which is external to the receiver, rather than being built in.

RF Components and Circuits

She manages the UN History Project website link is external) to provide materials for researching and teaching the history of international organizations.

Harvard University

How would you recommend a student or parent investigate a university's willingness to work with an A.D.D. coach who is external to the school?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with specific, measurable descriptions to clarify what the external element is separate from. For instance, "The marketing budget is external to the R&D department's allocations."

Common error

Avoid using "is external to" when "is different from" or "is unrelated to" would be more appropriate. "External" implies a spatial or systemic separation, not merely a difference in characteristics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is external to" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or noun phrase. Ludwig AI examples show that it indicates that something is not contained within or part of a particular entity or system, establishing a clear boundary or separation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is external to" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is outside or not part of a particular entity, system, or scope. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and academia. Its primary function is to establish boundaries and clarify relationships by specifying what lies outside a defined domain. While versatile, it's important to use it precisely to convey spatial or systemic separation, not simply a difference in characteristics. Alternatives like "is outside of" or "is separate from" can offer similar meanings, but each carries slightly different nuances. This makes "is external to" a valuable tool for precise and clear communication in various professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is outside of

Expresses a similar concept of being located or existing beyond the boundaries of something.

is separate from

Emphasizes the distinctness and lack of connection between two entities.

is not part of

Highlights the exclusion or non-inclusion within a defined whole.

lies beyond

Suggests a position or existence that extends past a certain limit or scope.

is independent of

Indicates a lack of reliance or influence between two elements.

is unconnected to

Stresses the absence of any link or relationship between two things.

is divorced from

Implies a deliberate separation or detachment from something.

exists beyond the scope of

Highlights that a subject or consideration is not relevant or included in the current discussion or framework.

is extraneous to

Indicates that something is not essential or relevant to a particular situation.

is peripheral to

Suggests that something is of secondary importance or only tangentially related.

FAQs

How can I use "is external to" in a sentence?

You can use "is external to" to indicate that something is outside of or not part of a particular system, context, or entity. For example: "The new policy "is external to" the existing regulations and will not affect current practices."

What are some alternatives to "is external to"?

Some alternatives to "is external to" include phrases like "is outside of", "is separate from", or "is not part of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "is external to" and "is unrelated to"?

"Is external to" implies a spatial or systemic separation, suggesting something exists outside a defined boundary. "Is unrelated to", on the other hand, simply means there is no connection or association, without necessarily implying physical or structural separation. Therefore, consider if the separation has to be structural or conceptual before using one or the other.

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "is external to"?

The phrase "is external to" is most appropriate when you want to emphasize that something is not an inherent or integrated part of a system, entity, or concept. It's particularly useful in technical, scientific, and philosophical contexts where precise delineation is important.