spheres of influence

USAGE SUMMARY

"spheres of influence" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It refers to the different areas of power and control that different groups or countries have in a certain region. For example, "In the world of international relations, the U.S., China, and Russia all have very large spheres of influence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They have created powerful spheres of influence.

The New York Times

The US does not recognise spheres of influence".

The Guardian - Opinion

His thinking on spheres of influence seems atavistic.

The Economist

Agreements on spheres of influence served this purpose.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The west dismissed this, saying the concept of spheres of influence belonged to a bygone age.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But engagement can't take place in the context of spheres of influence.

The New York Times

In the past, there were spheres of influence that would ensure most people were effectively socialised.

The Guardian

Money, media presence, spheres of influence and impact are all factors in the rankings.

The Guardian

Old thinking about spheres of influence, trampling international law, must not succeed".

The Guardian

Britain and Russia tried unsuccessfully to bring that country under their spheres of influence.

The New York Times

Our security is not merely found in spheres of influence or some balance of power.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing international relations or political science, use "spheres of influence" to describe the regions over which a state or organization has significant cultural, economic, military, or political influence.

Common error

Avoid using "spheres of influence" when describing general impact or popularity. The phrase specifically denotes a region or group subjected to cultural, economic, military, or political influence, not just general awareness or success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spheres of influence" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. According to Ludwig, it is a correct and usable expression. It identifies regions or areas where a nation or organization has a controlling influence, and can be seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spheres of influence" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately conveys the concept of regions or groups under the cultural, economic, military, or political influence of a powerful entity. Its primary function is descriptive and analytical, often appearing in news, encyclopedias, and scientific texts to dissect geopolitical dynamics. To ensure correct usage, remember that "spheres of influence" relates specifically to controlled regions rather than general impact. While alternatives like "areas of control" and "realms of influence" exist, this term carries specific historical and political connotations. It's crucial to apply it discerningly to maintain accuracy and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

areas of control

Emphasizes direct control over a region or group.

zones of control

Similar to areas of control but can imply a more defined boundary.

realms of influence

More formal and suggests a broader, less direct form of influence.

domains of power

Focuses on the power aspect of influence, suggesting authority and control.

areas of authority

Highlights the legitimate or recognized power within a specific area.

fields of influence

Focuses on the reach and impact within a specific domain.

arenas of power

Suggests a competitive environment where power is exerted.

territories of control

Implies a defined geographical area under control.

corridors of influence

Suggests influence is exerted along specific routes or pathways.

networks of power

Highlights interconnected relationships that amplify power and influence.

FAQs

How is the term "spheres of influence" typically used in international relations?

In international relations, "spheres of influence" typically refer to regions or countries in which a powerful nation exerts significant cultural, economic, military, or political control. The concept is often associated with historical periods of imperialism and great power competition, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

What are some alternative phrases to "spheres of influence"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "areas of control", "zones of control", or "realms of influence".

Is "spheres of influence" still a relevant concept in modern geopolitics?

While the overt colonialism associated with the historical use of "spheres of influence" is largely gone, the concept remains relevant in understanding how major powers exert influence in different regions of the world through economic, political, and military means.

How does "spheres of influence" differ from direct political control?

"Spheres of influence" imply a level of control short of direct political or military domination. It often involves shaping policies and events within a region without formally annexing or governing it. The term "areas of control" may imply a more direct and forceful exercise of influence.