sector

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "sector" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to any distinct group, area, or subsection, e.g. "The retail sector of the economy has been particularly hard hit by the pandemic". It can also be used to refer to specific industries or fields of endeavor, e.g. "The tech sector has experienced rapid growth in recent years".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are good reasons to be supporting bingo, there are good reasons to be encouraging our pub sector to be stronger - that's the analysis behind those measures".

The Guardian

It benefited from Amec's positivity on the oil and gas sector, and also from news that Nomura had moved from reduce to neutral and raised its price target on Weir from £14 to £18.50.

The Guardian - Business

Charities and the non-government sector welcomed elements of Bishop's proposals, such as the focus on female involvement and performance benchmarks, but raised concern over the need to ensure benefits from "aid for trade" flowed to the people in greatest need and reduced poverty.

The Guardian

Helen Szoke, chief executive of Oxfam Australia, said her organisation "would have put the reduction of poverty as the first benchmark" in the revamped aid program and was "cautious" about the role of the private sector.

The Guardian

For more news, opinions and ideas about the voluntary sector, join our community – it's free!

The Guardian

For weekly updates on news, debate and best practice on public sector IT, join the Guardian Government Computing network here.

The Guardian

If you work in the charity sector, please join our free network for charity professionals.

The Guardian

Sign up to the Healthcare Professionals Network – for free – to receive weekly email updates on policy and best practice in the sector, as well as exclusive offers.

The Guardian

For more news, opinions and ideas about the voluntary sector, join our community.

The Guardian

With this in mind, is it time for the charity sector to reconsider how it approaches donors, especially those who might struggle to say no?

The Guardian

Sensing further instability, the vast majority of Greeks – led by the business sector – have urged the government to compromise, according to polls.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing economic activities, specify the "sector" to provide context and clarity. For example, instead of saying 'the economy is growing', specify 'the technology sector is growing'.

Common error

Do not use "sector" as a generic term for all industries. Be specific about which "sector" you are referencing to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The term "sector" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a distinct part of the economy, industry, or area of activity. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is commonly used to categorize economic and social segments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "sector" is a versatile noun commonly used to classify and categorize areas of economic and social activity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It appears frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, demonstrating its relevance in professional discussions. To avoid ambiguity, it's crucial to be specific about which "sector" is being referenced. Alternatives like "industry segment" or "field of activity" can be used depending on the specific context. By providing clarity and precision, the term "sector" enhances communication across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

industry segment

Focuses on a specific, identifiable part of a larger industry.

economic area

Highlights the economic aspect of a specific region or field.

field of activity

Emphasizes the active and practical nature of the area being discussed.

area of specialization

Points to the focused expertise within a specific domain.

branch of industry

Implies a more structured and hierarchical division of an industry.

market segment

Specifically refers to a division within a market.

division of the economy

Highlights a part of the overall economy.

sphere of influence

Focuses on the power or control exerted within a specific area.

domain of expertise

Highlights the knowledge and skill associated with a particular area.

area of operations

Refers to the specific locations or activities where something functions.

FAQs

How can I use "sector" in a sentence?

You can use "sector" to refer to a specific area of the economy, like "The tourism sector has been heavily affected by the pandemic". Or, it can describe a specific field of activity, as in "The public sector is responsible for providing essential services".

What's the difference between "sector" and "industry"?

"Sector" is a broader term that can encompass multiple "industries". For example, the 'financial sector' includes banking, insurance, and investment management industries.

What can I say instead of "sector"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "field of activity", "industry segment", or "economic area".

Is it appropriate to use "sector" in formal writing?

Yes, "sector" is a formal and widely accepted term in both business and academic writing. It's used to describe a specific part of the economy or a field of activity in a precise and professional manner.