sphere

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sphere" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
You can use it when referring to a round, three-dimensional object or in metaphorical contexts, such as discussing areas of influence or expertise. Example: "The Earth is not a perfect sphere, but it is close enough to be considered one for most practical purposes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Where there are differential crime rates between nationalities, it is perfectly legitimate to point this out and to discuss it in the public sphere and I shall continue to do so.

The Guardian

The bill, which would be introduced through an act of parliament, would aim to ensure that civil and human rights that apply to the physical world also apply online, and it would also seek to establish key rights that specifically apply to the digital sphere.

The Guardian - Tech

So I said that while a population boom would create many additional challenges for African governments, especially in the sphere of social services, a huge labour pool also meant opportunities for rapid economic growth, provided enough jobs are created for the millions of young Africans who will soon be of working age.

The Guardian - Opinion

In transparency litigation in the national-security sphere, the courts almost invariably defer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Along with perceptions of crime and employment, significant blame is attributed in this sphere to immigration.

The Guardian

It affects more than our universities, as only one of the sites of free speech in our public sphere, but not the only one – and certainly not more precious than our boroughs, schools, or other national civic institutions as protected democratic space.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Ten years ago you really only had HBO in the cable sphere, now you have the AMCs and the Showtimes and that has made a huge difference," says Company Pictures co-founder Charlie Pattinson, who is putting the finishing touches to the MTV adaptation of Skins as we speak.

The Guardian

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Gillard, who has not been afraid to tackle rivals in the male-dominated political sphere head on, admits that her favourite character is Daenerys Targaryen.

The Guardian

This will decrement 210 to -210, a total change of 420 over 360 cells, or 7/6 "time period units" compared to a sphere, in lengths, but also in terms of a particle's distance to travel over time, given the volume is known.

WikiHow

There was seldom a story in Dutch news that so gripped and for so long dominated the public sphere as the kidnapping of Freddy Heineken, the president of Heineken International.

The Guardian - Travel

Pakistan American Shazia Kamal was more hopeful, suggesting incidents like Khan's detention could "serve as a mirror for the things that are happening to American Muslims in the domestic sphere".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sphere" in writing, clarify the context to avoid ambiguity. Specify whether you're referring to a physical object or an abstract domain like "sphere of influence".

Common error

Avoid using "sphere" interchangeably when referring to physical objects and abstract concepts without providing clear contextual cues. For example, avoid mixing scientific and political domains in the same sentence without proper distinction.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sphere" is as a noun, referring either to a round, three-dimensional object or, more abstractly, to an area of activity, influence, or expertise. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating both uses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

14%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "sphere" is a versatile noun commonly used to refer both to physical objects and abstract concepts, particularly areas of influence or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge, making it a valuable term to understand and use effectively. Whether discussing the shape of a planet or the range of someone's expertise, "sphere" provides a concise and clear way to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

area of influence

Refers to the extent to which someone or something has power to affect persons or things.

domain

Highlights a specific field or area of activity or expertise.

realm

Indicates a kingdom or a field of study or activity.

orbit

Denotes the curved path of a celestial object or spacecraft around a star, planet, or moon.

field

Emphasizes a particular branch of study or sphere of activity or interest.

scope

Refers to the extent of the area or subject matter that something deals with or to which it is relevant.

sector

Indicates a particular area of the economy.

ball

Refers to a spherical or rounded object.

globe

Represents a spherical or rounded object, especially a model of the earth or the celestial sphere.

orb

Indicates a spherical body, especially a planet or star.

FAQs

How can I use "sphere" in a sentence?

You can use "sphere" to describe a round object, as in, "The Earth is a sphere", or to denote an area of activity or influence, such as, "Her sphere of expertise is in marketing".

What are some synonyms for "sphere" when referring to an area of influence?

When "sphere" refers to an area of influence, you can use alternatives like "domain", "realm", or "field".

Is it correct to use "sphere" in a metaphorical sense?

Yes, "sphere" is commonly used metaphorically to represent areas of activity, influence, or expertise. For example, "the political sphere" or "the sphere of knowledge".

How does "sphere of influence" differ from "area of expertise"?

"Sphere of influence" refers to the extent to which someone or something has power to affect persons or things, while "area of expertise" refers to a specific field in which someone has special skill or knowledge. They both describe areas but one relates to power dynamics, and the other relates to skill.