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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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sphere of reference

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sphere of reference" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to a particular area of knowledge, expertise, or interest. For example, "We discussed the evolution of popular culture within our particular sphere of reference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It points to a total lack of regard for anything and anyone beyond the infinitesimally and increasingly tiny sphere of reference that modern teenagers have – that is, themselves and their smartphones.

News & Media

Independent

The gross generalization concerning voodoo places all Haitians, practitioners and non-practitioners alike into the same sphere of reference.

News & Media

Huffington Post

The most notable differences between the two protocols were the frequency of scores for the variable characterizing the sphere of reference (1 = therapy related, 2 = situations outside of therapy, 3 = reference to therapy and situations outside of therapy, 4 = unclear).

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Our new sense of cosmological dimension is graphically depicted at the Rose Center in a series of size analogies using the Hayden Sphere as a point of reference.

News & Media

The New York Times

Subfigure (h) presents the actual locations of the simulated sources with spheres of 1.5 cm radius for ease of reference.

Chief Judge Roger L. Gregory dissented, writing the First Amendment does not require the government to "'purge from the public sphere any reference to religion.'" The ruling comes as public displays of religion have been challenged in courts throughout the country.

Since a tomato is not a perfect sphere, two reference distances D 1,D 2 were measured manually, which approximate the size of the tomato (Fig. 18).

If we think of the top and bottom "halves" of a solid sphere as being geometrically defined entities whose boundaries are specified by reference to the whole sphere of which they equal subdivisions, it seems plausible to say that it is part of the essence of each such hemisphere that it exists only if the other does.

Science

SEP

General relations for the calculation of wave aberration, ray aberrations and the influence of change of radius of the reference sphere on the wave aberration of a normal to aspherical surface are derived.

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News & Media

Vice

Each case is being analyzed based on the transcription and with reference to the common concept of a farms' internal sphere of influence that was extracted beforehand.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sphere of reference", ensure the context clearly defines the boundaries of the area being referenced. Provide specific examples or details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "sphere of reference" too broadly. Be precise about the specific domain, expertise, or area of knowledge you're referring to. Vague or overly general use diminishes the phrase's impact.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.3/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sphere of reference" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It defines a specific boundary or domain within which certain considerations or activities are relevant. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sphere of reference" is a valid and useful term for defining boundaries or areas of consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While examples are somewhat limited, they demonstrate application across news, scientific, and academic domains. To maximize clarity, ensure that the specific scope is well-defined when using the phrase. Alternatives like "frame of reference" may be considered based on the context, emphasizing the set of beliefs or ideas influencing understanding. It's important to avoid overgeneralization and maintain precision, ensuring that the term's purpose is clear to the reader.

FAQs

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

You can use "sphere of reference" to indicate a particular area of knowledge, expertise, or interest. For example, "The discussion remained within the company's sphere of reference."

What are some alternatives to "sphere of reference"?

Alternatives include "frame of reference", "area of expertise", or "field of knowledge", depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

Is "sphere of reference" a formal or informal phrase?

"Sphere of reference" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in academic, professional, or news-related writing. Its suitability depends on the overall tone and audience of your communication.

What's the difference between "sphere of reference" and "frame of reference"?

While both terms relate to understanding and perspective, "sphere of reference" emphasizes a defined area of knowledge or experience, whereas "frame of reference" focuses on the set of beliefs or assumptions that shape perception.

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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.3/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: