political science

USAGE SUMMARY

"political science" is a correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the academic discipline which studies politics and political behavior. For example, "We studied political science in my college course on government and public policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is politics, not political science.

Huffington Post

(Harvard, political science, 1972).

The New Yorker

He studies political science.

The New York Times

Political science.

The New York Times

British Journal of Political Science.

The Economist

It's not political science.

The New York Times

(See also political science; political system; state).

Encyclopedia Britannica

This, however, is not settled political science.

The New York Times - Magazine

MSc in political science, Leiden University, Holland.

Independent

Political science does not offer much help.

The New York Times

"And we're teaching them political science.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about academic programs, specify the full phrase "political science" for clarity. Avoid using just "politics" if you intend to convey the academic discipline.

Common error

Be precise in your language. While "politics" refers to the activities and affairs of government, "political science" is the academic study of these activities. Use the latter when referencing academic research or educational programs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "political science" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It denotes a specific academic discipline focused on the systematic study of government and politics. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where it is used to describe academic programs, research fields, and professorships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "political science" is a common noun phrase that refers to the academic discipline dedicated to the study of government and politics. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and is very frequently used in academic, news, and scientific contexts. When using "political science", it's important to differentiate it from the broader term "politics", which encompasses the activities and processes of government. To ensure clarity in writing, specify "political science" when referring to the academic discipline, and consider alternative phrases like "study of politics" or "government studies" to add variety. By understanding its correct usage and context, you can effectively communicate about this important field of study.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the science of politics

Reverses the word order while retaining the core meaning.

study of politics

Focuses on the academic aspect of studying politics, omitting the "science" part.

government studies

Emphasizes the governmental aspect of the discipline.

political theory

Highlights the theoretical foundations within political science.

policy analysis

Emphasizes the analytical study of public policy.

comparative politics

Highlights a specific subfield within political science.

international relations

Focuses on the relationships between countries, a branch of political science.

public administration

Focuses on the implementation of government policy.

civics

Refers to the study of the rights and duties of citizenship.

statecraft

Refers to the art of government and diplomacy.

FAQs

How is "political science" used in academic contexts?

"Political science" is commonly used to describe university departments, academic programs, and scholarly research focused on the study of government, public policy, and political behavior. For instance, one might say, "She is a professor of "political science" at Yale University."

What are some subfields within "political science"?

Subfields within "political science" include "comparative politics", "international relations", "political theory", and "public policy", each focusing on specific aspects of the political world.

Can I use "politics" instead of "political science"?

While "politics" and "political science" are related, they are not interchangeable. "Politics" refers to the activities and processes of government, whereas "political science" is the academic discipline that studies these phenomena. Using "politics" may lack the precision needed in formal or academic writing.

What's the difference between a degree in political science and a career in politics?

A degree in "political science" provides a foundation for understanding political systems and behavior, which can lead to various careers. A career in politics typically involves direct participation in government or political campaigns, often benefiting from, but not requiring, a formal education in political science.