are subordinate to

USAGE SUMMARY

'are subordinate to' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe a hierarchical relationship between two things, where one is subordinate to the other. For example, "In most countries, local governments are subordinate to the national government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

NCOs are subordinate to commissioned officers.

The New York Times

Currently other parties are subordinate to the Communist Party.

The New York Times

In all, the words are subordinate to performance in Kabuki.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Formulas and catchwords are subordinate to this overmastering requirement.

Cornell University

The police are subordinate to democratically elected officials.

The Economist

America's national interests are subordinate to their selfish ones.

The New York Times

In his designs, structure and function are subordinate to the building program.

The New York Times - Arts

Too often, though, tender, introspective moments are subordinate to the reflexive tug of the grin.

The Guardian - Books

The emphasis on investor returns means that societal and environmental issues are subordinate to financial returns.

The Guardian

All rules and systems are subordinate to the sheer force of practicality.

The New York Times

The police authorities are subordinate to the Ministry of the Interior.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are subordinate to", ensure the hierarchical relationship is clear and unambiguous. Specify both the subordinate and the superior entities to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid assuming universal subordination. Just because A is subordinate to B in one context doesn't mean it's always the case. Clarify the specific context where the relationship holds true.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are subordinate to" functions as a relational predicate, indicating a hierarchical relationship between two entities. According to Ludwig AI, this structure is considered grammatically sound and commonly used in written English. The phrase establishes that one entity has less power, authority, or importance than the other.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are subordinate to" is a common and grammatically correct way to express hierarchical relationships, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently encountered in news, academic, and encyclopedia contexts, signaling its use across diverse knowledge domains. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in the relationship you're defining and tailor your language to suit the specific register, as it can range from neutral to formal. Remember that the reverse of this expression is not perfectly simmetrical, that is why alternatives like "are secondary to" or "are subject to" should be taken into consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are subservient to

Suggests a more extreme form of obedience or service.

are junior to

Specifically denotes a lower rank or status in a hierarchy.

are secondary to

Emphasizes lesser importance rather than strict subordination.

are subject to

Highlights a condition of being controlled or affected by something else.

are answerable to

Focuses on accountability rather than direct hierarchy.

fall under the authority of

Clearly states the line of authority and command.

are inferior to

Implies a lower quality or value, not just position.

are accessory to

Highlights a supporting role, implying dependence.

are conditional to

Emphasizes dependency on specific conditions being met.

are incidental to

Indicates that something is less important and occurs in connection with something else.

FAQs

How do I use "are subordinate to" in a sentence?

Use "are subordinate to" to indicate a hierarchical relationship where one entity has less power or authority than another. For example, "In many organizations, project teams "are subordinate to" the project manager".

What can I say instead of "are subordinate to"?

You can use alternatives like "are secondary to", "are subject to", or "are junior to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say 'is subordinate to' or 'are subordinate to'?

Use "is subordinate to" for singular subjects and "are subordinate to" for plural subjects. For example, "The department is subordinate to the director" versus "The departments "are subordinate to" the director".

What's the difference between "are subordinate to" and "are dependent on"?

"Are subordinate to" implies a hierarchical relationship of authority. "Are dependent on" suggests reliance for support or function. While related, they highlight different aspects of the relationship.