Meaning & use
the sphere of influence
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountableformal
A region or area where a country, organization, or person has significant power or control, often without direct rule.
Grammar: Often used with 'in' or 'within': in the sphere of influence of a country.
Patterns
- a sphere of influence
- within a sphere of influence
- in someone's sphere of influence
During the Cold War, Eastern Europe was within the Soviet sphere of influence.
The company expanded its sphere of influence into new markets.
nouncountablefigurative
The area or range of activities over which a person or group has power or can affect decisions.
Grammar: Often used figuratively for non-geographical areas of control.
Patterns
- within someone's sphere of influence
- expand one's sphere of influence
The new manager quickly brought the team into her sphere of influence.
These issues fall outside my sphere of influence.
Word forms
| plural | spheres of influence |
|---|
Common combinations
- within a sphere of influence
- The small nation remained within the larger country's sphere of influence.
- expand one's sphere of influence
- The empire sought to expand its sphere of influence in the region.
- a sphere of influence over something
- The organization has a sphere of influence over local politics.
Synonyms and how they differ
- zone of control
- This is more direct and often military, while 'sphere of influence' suggests indirect power.
- orbit
- Used figuratively for being under someone's influence, but less formal and less specific about territory.
Practice
The small country was considered to be within the ______ of its powerful neighbor.
Choose one answer.
'Sphere of influence' is the standard fixed phrase for a region where a country has indirect power. 'Circle of influence' is used for personal networks, not geopolitical areas.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “the sphere of influence”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.