at upper echelons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at upper echelons" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to high levels or ranks within an organization or hierarchy. Example: "The decision-making process often takes place at upper echelons of the company, where senior executives gather to discuss strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We can absolutely fix it overnight, the next TV show -- the next movie can be gender balanced". Breaking the celluloid ceiling must start where the ceiling is -- at upper echelons, where senior management sets the "tone at the top". Studio executives should make gender balance a priority and drive it through all levels of their organization.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Final exams and winter break loom large for students at Columbia University, but at the upper echelons of the university's administration, new calls for transparency about the funding of a university affiliated center are likely to create plenty of homework as well.

HuffPost

There might be hope, insofar that there are people even at the upper echelons of the system who at least pay lip service to the idea of serving the wider community.

The Guardian - Books

There still aren't many women at the upper echelons of the tech industry ― especially at private companies that may at some point go public.

HuffPost

Even more worrisome to some people than the small number of African-Americans at the upper echelons of many organizations is a lack of progress at entry levels.

The New York Times

Months of internal wrangling at the upper echelons of the ABAE will come to the boil in Sheffield at an extraordinary general meeting on Sunday.

The Guardian - Sport

Such people include not only those at the upper echelons of power in their respective health systems, but also those at intermediary levels, care providers, users of services, and communities [ 21, 22] (Case study 1 and 2).

Health Research Policy and Systems

Teams need not be at the upper echelons to land upon a suitable style.

The Guardian - Sport

Few people at the upper echelons of city government seemed to know Mr. Bondy well.

The New York Times

That is encouraging savvy restaurateurs to target their offerings at the upper echelons.

The Economist

It is no coincidence they are at the upper echelons of our league.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at upper echelons" when you want to emphasize the hierarchical structure and high-ranking positions within an organization or system. It adds a formal and sophisticated tone to your writing.

Common error

While "at upper echelons" is grammatically correct, overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "at the highest levels" or "in senior management" when appropriate to maintain clarity and avoid unnecessary formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at upper echelons" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. Ludwig AI examples show it indicating the location or sphere of influence where actions or decisions take place.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at upper echelons" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase to denote the highest levels of an organization or system. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While it adds a formal tone, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid sounding pretentious, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate. Its usage is prevalent in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. Alternatives include phrases such as "at the highest levels" and "in senior management".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the highest levels

Focuses on the level of hierarchy, simpler phrasing.

in the upper ranks

Uses "ranks" instead of "echelons", implying a structured hierarchy.

among the leadership

Highlights the leadership aspect, implying those in charge.

in the senior management

Specifically refers to management positions at a high level.

within the top tier

Emphasizes the exclusive nature of the highest positions.

at the executive level

Refers to the specific level of executives in an organization.

in positions of power

Focuses on the power dynamic associated with high-level roles.

among decision-makers

Highlights the role of those who make important decisions.

at the helm

A more figurative expression implying leadership and control.

in the corridors of power

Evokes a sense of influence and political maneuvering.

FAQs

How can I use "at upper echelons" in a sentence?

You can use "at upper echelons" to describe the highest levels of an organization, for example: "Decisions made at the "highest levels" often have far-reaching consequences."

What are some alternatives to "at upper echelons"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in senior management", "at the highest levels", or "among the leadership", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "at upper echelons" in my writing?

While grammatically correct, "at upper echelons" can sound overly formal. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. Simpler phrases may be more suitable in informal contexts.

What is the difference between "at upper echelons" and "in the lower ranks"?

"At upper echelons" refers to the highest positions in a hierarchy, while "in the lower ranks" indicates the entry-level or less influential positions. They represent opposite ends of the organizational structure.