separate sphere

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "separate sphere" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase is used to refer to a particular area of a person's life that is distinct from other areas, often in terms of gender roles or responsibilities. For example, one might say, "Traditionally, women were assigned to a separate sphere of domestic responsibility, while men were expected to work outside the home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The framing of an issue as a mothers' movement still works "not because they see women separately, as part of a separate sphere, but because women are still especially concerned about children," Ms. Skocpol said.

The New York Times

(The works by ultra-Orthodox authors existed in a separate sphere).

Encyclopedia Britannica

If you can maintain a separate sphere of just business, then greed is good, but the way the world is being constructed today, you can't maintain the separate sphere.

The Guardian

The economy does not exist in a separate sphere from society, morality, the wellbeing of the spirit and heart.

The Guardian - Opinion

A separate sphere where I will be, for the most part, a welcome visitor, but not an inhabitant.

The New York Times

Business decided that it could create a separate sphere, within which bosses told people just do it, I don't care how.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Men and women were not only relegated to separate spheres; their separation was also part of a larger demarcation that involved the matching of clothes to occasions.

Forbes

Economics and politics aren't separate spheres.

The New Yorker

Victorian novels always end with a reassertion of the principle of Separate Spheres.

The Guardian - Books

Didactic and impassioned, Beuys refused to see art and politics as separate spheres.

The Guardian - Arts

With the algorithm, the separate spheres of abstract and concrete come together.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "separate sphere", ensure the context clearly defines the boundaries and characteristics of the sphere you are discussing. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the distinct nature of the area being referenced.

Common error

Avoid using "separate sphere" when the areas being discussed are clearly interconnected or interdependent. The phrase implies a degree of autonomy that may not be accurate if the areas significantly influence each other.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "separate sphere" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI shows its usage in contexts discussing distinct areas of life, ideology, or activity, as exemplified in the provided excerpts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "separate sphere" functions as a noun phrase that refers to a distinct and often autonomous area or domain. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is grammatically correct and commonly used in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, with a generally neutral register. Related phrases include "distinct domain" and "independent sector". A key writing tip is to clearly define the boundaries of the sphere being discussed to avoid ambiguity. While the phrase is not extremely common, its precise meaning and analytical value make it a useful term in discussions of social structures, conceptual frameworks, and distinct fields of study.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct domain

Focuses on the concept of a clearly defined area of activity or influence.

self-contained world

Implies a complete and independent system or domain.

discrete realm

Emphasizes the separate and self-contained nature of an area.

autonomous region

Highlights the self-governing nature and independence of an area.

compartmentalized area

Focuses on the division of something into distinct and separate sections.

independent sector

Highlights the autonomy and self-governance of a specific part of society or the economy.

exclusive territory

Suggests a domain reserved for a specific group or purpose.

isolated environment

Stresses the separation and lack of interaction with other areas.

segregated space

Emphasizes the separation and often unequal status of an area.

uncharted territory

Suggests a new and unexplored domain.

FAQs

How is the phrase "separate sphere" typically used in historical contexts?

Historically, "separate sphere" is often used to describe the ideology that defined distinct roles for men and women, with women occupying the domestic sphere and men the public sphere.

What are some alternative phrases I can use instead of "separate sphere"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "distinct domain", "independent sector", or "self-contained world".

Is "separate sphere" still a relevant concept today?

While the traditional concept of "separate sphere" has been challenged, the idea of distinct domains of influence or activity remains relevant in discussions of social roles, professional fields, and personal boundaries.

What is the difference between "separate sphere" and "separating sphere"?

"Separate sphere" refers to a distinct area, while "separating sphere" describes something that actively creates a division. The former is a state of being, the latter is an action.