a chief of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a chief of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who holds a leadership position or is in charge of a specific area or department. Example: "She was appointed as a chief of the marketing department, responsible for overseeing all promotional activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Several family groupings had chiefs, and in most areas there was apparently a chief of chiefs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I was like a chief of staff.

The New Yorker

& closest thing to a chief of staff.

The New Yorker

He is a chief of the Nzima tribe.

The New Yorker

"A chief of state works in the presidential palace".

The New York Times

It does not require a Chief of AI.

Harvard Business Review

Barnes is now advertising for a chief of staff.

The Guardian

Prior to joining the Administration she served as a Chief of Staff in the U.S. Senate.

University of California, Berkeley

What were the tasks of a Chief of Naval Operations Staff?

Yale University

Under President Bill Clinton, he was chief budget adviser and a chief of staff.

The New York Times

But he noted: "Ironically, I've got a chief of staff named Rahm Israel Emanuel.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "head of" or "leader of" if the specific context doesn't require the traditional or hierarchical connotations of "chief".

Common error

Avoid exclusively relying on the title "chief" in modern organizational structures where more contemporary titles like "director" or "head" may be more appropriate. The term "chief" can sometimes sound overly traditional or hierarchical depending on the setting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a chief of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, typically used to specify the area or group over which the named chief has authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote leadership.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a chief of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a leadership role within a specific area or group. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its usage is most common in news and media, academia, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in register, context dictates its level of formality. When using "a chief of", ensure the context clearly defines the chief's area of authority to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "head of" or "leader of" depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

head of

Emphasizes overall leadership or management responsibility.

leader of

Highlights the act of guiding and influencing a group or organization.

director of

Suggests a more formal, administrative role with oversight responsibilities.

commander of

Implies a military or structured hierarchical command.

supervisor of

Focuses on overseeing and directing the work of others in a team.

in charge of

Indicates direct responsibility and control over a task or area.

manager of

Highlights the administrative and operational aspects of leading a team or project.

principal of

Specifically refers to the leader of a school.

overseer of

Emphasizes the act of watching over and managing a process or group.

governor of

Suggests a formal leadership position within a defined territory or institution.

FAQs

How can I use "a chief of" in a sentence?

You can use "a chief of" to describe someone who holds a leadership position. For example, "He is "a chief of staff" in the U.S. Senate" or "She was appointed "a chief of security" at the company".

What are some alternatives to saying "a chief of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "head of", "leader of", or "director of".

Is it appropriate to use "a chief of" in a formal setting?

Yes, "a chief of" is appropriate in formal settings, especially when referring to traditional roles or hierarchical structures. However, consider whether a more modern title like "director" or "head" might be more suitable for contemporary organizations.

What's the difference between "a chief of staff" and "a head of staff"?

While both titles refer to a senior administrative role, ""a chief of staff"" often implies a closer advisory relationship with the leader, while "a head of staff" might focus more on managing the staff and administrative functions.