zone

USAGE SUMMARY

"zone" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun or verb to refer to an area or to move something into a particular area. Example sentence: We zoned the school into different sections for classes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was a judgment on our failure to move out of the comfort zone of critiquing the Tories and instead set out a positive alternative.

The Guardian

She has no compunction in moving Labour beyond our comfort zone and is determined to build a team ready to chart a route forward".

The Guardian

Parts of both cities have become a no-go zone for Iraq's beleaguered troops, who have been battered and humiliated by Isis, a group of marauders unparalleled in Mesopotamia since the time of the Mongols.

The Guardian

A fans' zone has been set up so that supporters can meet players after games, and for the visit of Atlético, Mestalla had been painted black and orange, with images of former players going up around the ground.

The Guardian - Sport

This will be confined to a 30-mile zone around Italy's coastal waters, possess a third of Mare Nostrum's maritime capacities, and be coordinated through the EU-funded Frontex agency.

The Guardian

Each time there is news of Hormuz joining the zone, says Ali, businessmen from Tehran and Isfahan come and buy land.

The Guardian

In 2013, the newly appointed head of Qeshm free trade zone spoke of "a vast loose financial mafia" that had been "looting the island's riches en masse".

The Guardian

Although the Wearsiders remain perched above the relegation zone they have won only five league games all season and found themselves outpaced, outmoved, outthought and outworked by Alan Pardew's team.

The Guardian - Sport

I don't think we'll be seeing Arab countries getting involved in Syria with their own military, but rather a spearhead being held by Syrian soldiers with greater logistical support from abroad, and possibly enforcement of a no-fly zone.

The Guardian

The ability of footballers to play depended on which zone they found themselves in.

The Guardian - Sport

October high: 24C The Greek islands can lose their lustre out of season, but southern Crete falls into the north African climatic zone and basks in sunshine long after other resorts have put up the shutters.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "zone", consider the specific nuance you want to convey: geographical area, state of mind, or designated space for a particular purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "zone" too vaguely. Always ensure the context clearly defines the boundaries or characteristics of the "zone" you are referencing.

Linguistic Context

The word "zone" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a specific area or region with defined characteristics or purpose. It can also function as a verb, meaning to designate or divide into such areas. Ludwig confirms the versatility of "zone" as both a noun and verb.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

20%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "zone" is a versatile word functioning as both a noun and a verb, commonly used to refer to a distinct area or to designate an area for a specific purpose. As shown by Ludwig, its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to casual conversations. The most frequent contexts of use are in news and media, sports, and travel. A key point to remember is to clearly define the boundaries or characteristics of the "zone" to avoid vagueness. Synonyms such as "area", "region", and "district" can be used depending on the context. Ludwig AI confirms that "zone" is correct and usable in written English and is commonly found in diverse sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

area

Replaces "zone" with a more general term for a region or space.

region

Similar to "area", but often implies a larger or more distinct geographical division.

district

Suggests a specific area defined for administrative or other purposes.

territory

Implies a defined area, often with political or ownership connotations.

sector

Refers to a specific part or division of an area or activity.

belt

Describes a long, narrow area with specific characteristics.

sphere

Indicates an area of influence or activity.

comfort zone

Refers to a state of mind where one feels safe and secure.

no-go area

Describes an area where entry is prohibited or dangerous.

hotspot

Indicates an area of intense activity or conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "zone" in a sentence?

You can use "zone" as a noun, referring to an area with particular characteristics, such as "This is a no-smoking zone". You can also use it as a verb, meaning to designate an area for a particular purpose, for example: "The city is planning to "zone the area" for commercial use".

What are some synonyms for "zone"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "zone" include "area", "region", "district", "territory", or "sector".

What does it mean to be "in the zone"?

To be "in the zone" is an idiom that refers to a state of optimal performance, focus, and flow, often experienced in sports or other activities requiring intense concentration.

What is the difference between a "zone" and a "region"?

While both "zone" and "region" refer to areas, "zone" often implies a specific designation or characteristic (e.g., a "construction zone" or a "time zone"), whereas "region" typically refers to a larger, more general geographical area.