a hierarchical structure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hierarchical structure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an organization or system that is arranged in a ranked order, often with levels of authority or importance. Example: "The company operates with a hierarchical structure, where decisions are made at the top and communicated down to lower levels."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's still a hierarchical structure in French universities.

The Guardian

It was a hierarchical structure that had produced regular championships.

The New York Times - Sports

The success of the resistance network in Algiers lay not in a hierarchical structure but in a horizontal one.

The New Yorker

Like the Catholic Church, the Mormon Church has a hierarchical structure in which ultimate authority is vested in one man.

The New York Times

Digital information is often arranged in a hierarchical structure, with files that branch into ever more specific subcategories.

The New York Times - Tech

But these are temporary and variable positions, not posts or offices within a hierarchical structure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He set up a hierarchical structure that corresponded to the channels of military command.

Encyclopedia Britannica

AHP expresses criteria in a hierarchical structure.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

This problem has a hierarchical structure.

IFAC-PapersOnLine

Phase 1: Expressing ranking problem into a hierarchical structure.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Much of data we use today has a hierarchical structure.

Journal of Big Data

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an organization's framework, use "a hierarchical structure" to clearly indicate a system with distinct levels of authority and responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a hierarchical structure" when simply describing a complex system without distinct levels of authority or importance. Instead, consider terms like "networked system" or "layered approach".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hierarchical structure" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object within a sentence. According to Ludwig, it denotes a system or organization characterized by ranked levels or layers. Examples illustrate its usage in describing organizational frameworks and data arrangements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a hierarchical structure" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe systems, organizations, or data arrangements with ranked levels. As indicated by Ludwig, it is suitable across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a system with distinct levels of authority or importance. Alternatives like "a hierarchical organization" or "a pyramidal structure" can offer nuanced descriptions. However, avoid using "a hierarchical structure" when describing complex systems lacking distinct levels. Understanding its primary contexts and potential errors ensures its effective and accurate use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hierarchical structuring

Emphasizes the action or process of creating the hierarchy.

a hierarchical organization

Highlights the systematic arrangement and coordination within the hierarchy.

a hierarchical configuration

Focuses more on the arrangement or setup of the hierarchy.

a superior structure

Emphasizes the higher levels and their dominance within the system.

a pyramidal structure

Suggests a visual model where the base is broad and the top is narrow, like a pyramid.

a graded structure

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the hierarchy.

a hierarchical frame

Implies a basic supporting system organized by rank.

a ministerial structure

Specifically refers to a governmental or administrative hierarchy.

a supervisory structure

Focuses on the oversight and management aspects of the hierarchy.

a ranking structure

Directly points to the order and positioning of elements by rank.

FAQs

How can I use "a hierarchical structure" in a sentence?

You can use "a hierarchical structure" to describe systems or organizations with ranked levels. For instance, "The company operates under "a hierarchical structure" with clear lines of authority."

What phrases are similar to "a hierarchical structure"?

Alternatives include "a hierarchical organization", "a ranking structure", or "a pyramidal structure", each with slightly different connotations.

What's the difference between "a hierarchical structure" and "a flat structure"?

"A hierarchical structure" implies ranked levels and authority, while "a flat structure" suggests minimal or no levels of management, promoting decentralized decision-making.

In what contexts is "a hierarchical structure" most appropriate?

"A hierarchical structure" is suitable in contexts involving organizations, data management, or systems where clear levels of authority, importance, or classification are present, as seen in examples from science, news, and encyclopedias.