as a monolithic entity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a monolithic entity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is perceived as a single, unified whole, often in discussions about organizations, systems, or ideologies. Example: "The company was often viewed as a monolithic entity, despite the diverse opinions and backgrounds of its employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In the future, when people tell the story of pop's dying days as a monolithic entity, they might point to "Reputation" as one of its final chapters.

The New Yorker

To create this alliance we must perceive an employee's career not as a monolithic entity owned by one employer, but as a dynamic entity that consists of successive "tours of duty".

TechCrunch

Amelia Jones has written that the post-feminist texts which emerged in the 1980s and 1990s portrayed second-wave feminism as a monolithic entity.

Wikipedia

Sociologist Mely G. Tan asserts that scholars studying ethnic Chinese emigrants often refer to the group as a "monolithic entity": the overseas Chinese.

Wikipedia

I am astounded by the way "the media" are often treated as a monolithic entity even in discussions at some media sites.

Los Angeles Times

Genetic studies also treat Hsp70 as a monolithic entity and are unable to tackle the acknowledged contribution of epigenetics to the activity of these proteins.

ACS Chemical Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Then again, it may already be too late for nuance: even after suggesting that Latino voters are a varied lot, some of these experts go right on referring to "the Latino community" as if it were a monolithic entity.

The New York Times

To quote de Vries, Turner et al., it falls into the trap of 'identifying bioethics as if it were a monolithic entity, with a single perspective and mode of inquiry, reinforced by a cadre of leaders whose position and expertise are unchallenged'.

Bioethics

Researchers are not constrained by a monolithic entity, such as depression, that they must then explicitly address in their research agenda, regardless of what the data is telling them.

The New Yorker

The aged population is not a monolithic entity but a varied range of age groups with different needs, different levels of ability and independence.

The Guardian - Tech

In truth, journalism has never been a monolithic entity any more than journalists have formed a tightly defined or rigidly controlled profession.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a monolithic entity" when you want to emphasize the lack of internal diversity or flexibility within the subject you are describing. This phrase is particularly useful when critiquing overly simplistic or rigid views of complex systems or groups.

Common error

Avoid using "as a monolithic entity" when describing something that you know to be diverse or multifaceted. Using this phrase inappropriately can lead to inaccurate representations and reinforce harmful stereotypes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a monolithic entity" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun. It indicates how something is viewed or perceived, emphasizing its perceived unity and lack of internal differentiation. This is consistent with Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a monolithic entity" is grammatically correct and used to describe something perceived as a single, undifferentiated whole. Ludwig's AI indicates the phrase is acceptable. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. It is important to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring that it accurately reflects the subject being described and doesn't oversimplify complex realities. Alternatives like "as a single unit" or "as a unified whole" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a single unit

Replaces 'entity' with 'unit', implying a more structured and cohesive whole.

as a unified whole

Emphasizes the aspect of unity and completeness, suitable when wholeness is the key attribute.

as a homogenous group

Highlights the lack of internal diversity within the group being described.

as a uniform body

Suggests a consistency and regularity in structure or appearance.

as an undifferentiated mass

Emphasizes the lack of distinct parts or features within the mass.

as a cohesive whole

Focuses on the binding forces that keep the entity together.

as a consolidated entity

Implies a process of merging or combining into a single unit.

as an integrated system

Highlights the interconnectedness and interdependence of parts within the system.

as an indivisible unit

Emphasizes the impossibility of separating or dividing the entity.

as a standardized collective

Suggests that the elements within the collective conform to a single standard.

FAQs

How can I use "as a monolithic entity" in a sentence?

You can use "as a monolithic entity" to describe something viewed as a single, unified whole, often implying a lack of diversity or flexibility. For example: "The media is often treated "as a monolithic entity", even though it comprises many different voices and perspectives."

What are some alternatives to "as a monolithic entity"?

Alternatives include phrases like "as a single unit", "as a unified whole", or "as a homogenous group", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "as a monolithic entity"?

It's inappropriate to use "as a monolithic entity" when describing something that is known to be diverse or composed of many distinct elements. Doing so can create a misleading and oversimplified impression.

What does it mean to describe something "as a monolithic entity"?

Describing something "as a monolithic entity" suggests it's perceived as an indivisible, unified whole without internal variation or complexity. This can be a valid description, but it's often used critically to point out an oversimplification.