a fixed hierarchy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fixed hierarchy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a structured system where roles or levels are clearly defined and unchanging. Example: "In many organizations, a fixed hierarchy can lead to inefficiencies and slow decision-making processes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Various contexts including social structures, organizational frameworks, and scientific classifications.

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Early societies, such as the Babylonians and the ancient Egyptians, were static, with a fixed hierarchy of social obligations.

The Economist

Here, far from the rough and tumble of the commercial world, is a fixed hierarchy where the staff work their way slowly through the ranks, everyone worries about tenure, and the headmaster's word is law.

The Guardian

In 1520 Charles I agreed to the nobles' demand for a fixed hierarchy of rank, from the 25 grandees of Spain through the rest of the titled nobility, down to some 60,000 hidalgos, or caballeros, and a similar number of urban nobility, all of them distinguished from the rest of the population, the pecheros, by far-reaching legal privileges and exemption from direct taxation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But even holding a person accountable is dependent on a fixed hierarchy, a variety of measurable criteria: the prominence of the person, their popularity, their gender, the quality of their apology.

Vice

But even holding a person accountable is dependent on a fixed hierarchy, a variety of measurable criteria: the prominence of the person, their popularity, their gender, and the quality of their apology.

Vice

Medicine was especially well studied by Islamic scholars working in Greek philosopher traditions, while natural history drew heavily on Aristotelian thought, especially in upholding a fixed hierarchy of life.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Upsetting this fixed hierarchy among creditors is just an illegal taking of property from one group of creditors for the benefit of another, which should be struck down on both statutory and constitutional grounds.

Forbes

To the best of our knowledge only [20] uses data-driven spatial generalization to achieve anonymity for trajectory datasets; the only work applying spatial generalization is [31], but it uses a fixed grid hierarchy to discretize the spatial dimension.

EPJ Data Science

"We have spoken so far as if this hierarchy were a fixed order but actually it is not nearly as rigid as we may have implied," Maslow wrote.

Harvard Business Review

Because each GO term could be assigned to a different level of the annotation hierarchy, we established a fixed general GO level that represented all of the specific GO terms of the proteins in the study.

BMC Systems Biology

He was, after all, a climbing snob of the first order, a courtier, and he needed a background of fixed social hierarchy against which to do his insouciant but fawning thing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fixed hierarchy", ensure that the context clearly benefits from a rigid structure. Consider whether flexibility might be more advantageous before employing this phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "a fixed hierarchy" when describing systems that are subject to change or evolution. This phrase implies a degree of immutability that may not be accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fixed hierarchy" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, referring to a system or organization with a set ranking order. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fixed hierarchy" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe systems characterized by a rigid and unchanging order. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in formal writing. While the phrase appears in various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, it’s crucial to consider the potential implications of rigidity before applying it. Alternatives like "a rigid hierarchy" or "an established order" may offer a more nuanced description depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rigid hierarchy

Emphasizes the inflexibility and unyielding nature of the hierarchical structure.

a strict hierarchy

Highlights the adherence to rules and regulations within the hierarchy.

an established order

Focuses on the long-standing and recognized nature of the arrangement.

a set pecking order

Implies a social hierarchy where status is determined through competition and dominance, often informally.

a hierarchical structure

A more general term referring to a system organized into different levels.

a defined ranking system

Stresses the clear and explicit nature of the ranking.

a stratified system

Highlights the division of a system into different layers or strata.

an unyielding command structure

Focuses on the strict and inflexible nature of authority and obedience.

an immutable social order

Emphasizes that the social hierarchy is unchangeable and permanent.

a formal chain of command

Suggests a well-defined and officially recognized system of authority.

FAQs

How can I use "a fixed hierarchy" in a sentence?

You can use "a fixed hierarchy" to describe organizations, social structures, or systems where the levels of authority or ranking are clearly defined and do not change easily. For instance, "The military traditionally operates under "a fixed hierarchy", with clear lines of command".

What are some alternatives to "a fixed hierarchy"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a rigid hierarchy", "an established order", or "a hierarchical structure". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a fixed hierarchy" always a negative thing?

Not necessarily. While "a fixed hierarchy" can sometimes imply inflexibility or lack of opportunity, it can also provide stability, clear roles, and efficient decision-making in certain contexts. Its value depends on the specific situation.

What's the difference between "a fixed hierarchy" and "a flexible hierarchy"?

"A fixed hierarchy" implies a rigid structure where roles and ranks are well-defined and unchanging. In contrast, a "flexible hierarchy" suggests a more fluid system where roles and responsibilities can shift based on needs or circumstances.