able to subordinate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to subordinate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something has the capacity to place another entity in a lower rank or position, often in discussions about authority or hierarchy. Example: "The manager is able to subordinate the team's interests to the company's goals when necessary."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

If they don't arrive at infant school able to subordinate their wishes and feelings to a higher order, then something must be wrong (and why should we give tax breaks to the parents of wild beasts?).

The Guardian - Opinion

Parnell, who had just compromised with the British government over the land question, was consequently able to subordinate the Irish National League, a nationalist organization, to the more moderate Home Rule Party in Parliament.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During the first years of the republic, China had been fractured by rival military regimes to the extent that no one authority was able to subordinate all rivals and create a unified and centralized political structure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1720 72 it was able to subordinate the monarchy, and during this period the Riksdag became an organ of near-parliamentary government, with two proto-political parties vying for control of the body.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Before 1949 the U.S.S.R. had been able to subordinate the interests of foreign Communists to its own, but the Communist triumph in China, paradoxically, was a potential disaster for the U.S.S.R., for Mao and the Chinese would inevitably refuse to play the role of pupil.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"You have to be able to completely subordinate your own vision of right and wrong in order to work there," said David Steinberg, an attorney who worked in acquisitions for two years.

Vice

"Dr. Koppelman has been influential among scholars and regional thinkers but has often not been able to get individual towns and villages to subordinate their views to the big picture," said Mr. Levine, the planner at Allee, King.

The New York Times

The more interesting question will be whether Mr. Pittman will be able to live with the move from colleague to subordinate.

The New York Times

Women's coming to prefer the kinds of social roles that tend to subordinate them will make them less able to choose or give them fewer choices to make (Cudd 2006, 157, 181).

SEP

At the end of the day working relationships must be based on what best serves the goals and needs of the business, Millennials who understand this and who are able to manage subordinates appropriately will be more successful than those who treat colleagues like friends first.

Forbes

In what sense, exactly, will a manager even be able to "control" subordinates in such a world?

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "able to subordinate", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the subordinating and what is being subordinated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "able to subordinate" to imply absolute or unchecked power, as this can suggest unethical behavior. Subordination should be justified and within acceptable boundaries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to subordinate" functions as a verb phrase indicating the capacity or capability to place something in a lower rank or position. Ludwig indicates its correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

40%

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able to subordinate" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to express the capability to place something in a lower position or rank. Ludwig's analysis shows it appears in varied sources, predominantly encyclopedias and news media. Though relatively rare, it is crucial to use this phrase accurately, considering the power dynamics and ethical implications of subordination. Alternatives such as "capable of subordinating" or "in a position to subordinate" can offer subtle differences in meaning. When writing, clarity and justification are key to avoiding misinterpretations of power dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of subordinating

Replaces "able" with its direct synonym "capable", maintaining the original meaning.

can subordinate

A more concise and direct way to express the same idea.

in a position to subordinate

Emphasizes the situation or circumstances that allow for subordination.

has the capacity to subordinate

Highlights the inherent ability or power to subordinate.

in a state to subordinate

Emphasizes the condition or state that enables subordination.

empowered to subordinate

Suggests that the ability to subordinate comes from a granted authority or power.

authorized to subordinate

Indicates that the ability to subordinate is officially sanctioned or permitted.

competent to subordinate

Highlights the adequacy of someone's qualities to perform subordination.

permitted to subordinate

Similar to 'authorized', but implies a more general allowance rather than a formal sanction.

allowed to subordinate

A less formal version of 'permitted'.

FAQs

How can I use "able to subordinate" in a sentence?

You can use "able to subordinate" to describe someone's capacity to place something in a lower rank or position. For example: "A good leader is "able to subordinate" personal feelings to the needs of the team."

What are some alternatives to "able to subordinate"?

Some alternatives include "capable of subordinating", "in a position to subordinate", or "has the capacity to subordinate". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "able to subordinate"?

It's appropriate when discussing hierarchical relationships, decision-making processes where certain elements are prioritized over others, or the capacity to prioritize higher-level goals. Ensure the context justifies the act of subordinating.

What's the difference between "able to subordinate" and "willing to subordinate"?

"Able to subordinate" refers to the capacity or power to place something lower in rank or importance. "Willing to subordinate" implies a readiness or consent to do so. One focuses on capability, the other on intention.