sphere of influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sphere of influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a region in which a particular nation or organisation has a great deal of political, economic, or cultural influence. For example, "The United States' sphere of influence in the Middle East has been steadily growing over the past few years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They feel we still belong to their sphere of influence.

The Guardian

They have narrowed the public sphere of influence".

The Guardian

"The sphere of influence has been much broader," McCutcheon said.

The New York Times - Sports

Meanwhile, Britain had established a sphere of influence in Iraq.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Europe is not seeking a sphere of influence.

The Economist

Russia sees Ukraine as part of its sphere of influence.

The Economist

A Sphere of Influence By backing these leaders, Russia has also reaped economic benefits and maintained its regional sphere of influence.

The New York Times

Next week's After Hollywood looks at Quentin Tarantino's sphere of influence.

The Guardian - Film

"But of course that's the Congress's sphere of influence, not the Fed's".

The New York Times

But his greatest sphere of influence was as an arranger and composer for other jazz artists.

The New York Times - Arts

But so did America in its Latin American "sphere of influence" during the cold war.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing international relations, use "sphere of influence" to describe regions where a country exerts significant political, economic, or cultural power. Be specific about the nature and extent of the influence.

Common error

While "sphere of influence" is a useful term, it's typically reserved for formal discussions of power dynamics. Avoid using it in casual conversation where simpler terms like "area of impact" or "circle of influence" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sphere of influence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a region or concept under the sway of a particular entity, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples concerning Russia and Ukraine.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

12%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sphere of influence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, predominantly appearing in news and media contexts to describe regions or concepts under the sway of a particular entity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, noting its application in discussions of political, economic, and cultural power dynamics, particularly in international relations. While the phrase is generally neutral and formal, writers should be mindful of its overuse in casual contexts, opting for simpler alternatives like "area of impact" or "circle of influence" where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach of influence

Focuses on the extent to which the influence extends.

zone of influence

Emphasizes a geographical area where influence is exerted.

field of influence

Uses 'field' to suggest a broader, less defined area of impact.

area of control

Focuses on the aspect of direct control rather than indirect influence.

domain of power

Highlights the power aspect of the influence.

region of dominance

Highlights the aspect of power and control within a specific region.

territory of control

Emphasizes the territorial aspect of influence, suggesting ownership or governance.

orbit of power

Uses 'orbit' to convey a sense of being controlled or affected by a central power.

area of interest

Indicates a region or topic that is of particular concern or attention.

scope of authority

Highlights the formal or legal power associated with the influence.

FAQs

How can I use "sphere of influence" in a sentence?

You can use "sphere of influence" to describe areas where a particular country or organization has a dominant presence, such as, "Russia considers Ukraine to be within its "sphere of influence"".

What is the difference between "sphere of influence" and "area of control"?

"Sphere of influence" implies a broader range of influence, including cultural and economic aspects, whereas "area of control" suggests direct political or military control.

What can I say instead of "sphere of influence"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "area of control", "zone of influence", or "region of dominance".

Is "sphere of influence" applicable only to countries?

No, while commonly used in geopolitics, "sphere of influence" can also apply to organizations or individuals who exert significant impact within a specific domain or community.