be subservient to him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be subservient to him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one person is expected to be obedient or submissive to another, often in hierarchical or power dynamics. Example: "In the old regime, many were expected to be subservient to him, following his orders without question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He thinks women should be subservient to him.

Huffington Post

In the Bible, Adam's first wife, Lilith, refused to be subservient to him and left Paradise and the Garden of Eden.

HuffPost

"She was named Lilith and, according to the Hebrews, she was Adam's first wife, but was banished from the Garden of Eden because she refused to be subservient to him, so she was cast out and replaced with Eve".

Huffington Post

But Corey is, by his own admission, a man who lives with a gaggle of women who have signed contracts promising to be subservient to him in the hopes that it might make them famous.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Keep in mind that respecting him doesn't mean being subservient to him.

WikiHow

Men are generally considered the head of the household and women are expected to be subservient to them.

Global Health Action

The difference is that last time they were against him because they were afraid he might be subservient to the Vatican.

The New Yorker

The gods just want us to be subservient to nature.

The New Yorker

But we think the government should be subservient to us".

The Guardian

"This president shall be subservient to the Parliament".

The New York Times

But Canadians do not like their governments to be subservient to their more powerful neighbour.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be subservient to him" when emphasizing a power dynamic where one person is expected to yield to another's authority or wishes. Ensure the context clarifies the nature and justification (or lack thereof) of this dynamic.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overusing "be subservient to him" can create a tone of judgment or negativity. Consider alternatives like "be subordinate to him" or "respect his authority" if the intention is not to highlight a potentially unfair power imbalance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be subservient to him" functions primarily as a predicate adjective phrase, describing a state of being where one individual is in a subordinate position to another. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and understandable, fitting within established English language structures.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be subservient to him" is grammatically correct but infrequently used. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. The phrase describes a state of subordination and obedience, often within a power dynamic. While grammatically sound, it's important to be mindful of its potentially negative connotations and to consider alternative expressions if the intention is not to emphasize an imbalance of power. Common contexts include discussions in news and media, Wikipedia, and science. When writing, avoid overuse and consider the tone you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be subordinate to him

Focuses on a hierarchical relationship, emphasizing a lower rank or position.

be obedient to him

Highlights the act of following his commands or instructions.

defer to him

Implies yielding to his judgment or opinion out of respect or authority.

submit to his authority

Emphasizes the act of yielding to his power and control.

take orders from him

Focuses on the act of receiving and following his instructions.

be under his control

Highlights his power and influence over someone.

be compliant with him

Focuses on adhering to his requests or expectations.

dance to his tune

Metaphorically suggests being manipulated or controlled by him.

toe the line for him

Implies strict adherence to his rules or policies.

be at his beck and call

Suggests immediate and unquestioning obedience to his requests.

FAQs

How can I use "be subservient to him" in a sentence?

You can use "be subservient to him" to describe a situation where someone is expected to obey another person's commands or wishes without question. For example: "In that culture, women were expected to "be subservient to him"."

What are some alternatives to saying "be subservient to him"?

You can use alternatives like "be subordinate to him", "be obedient to him", or "defer to him" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to say someone is "subservient"?

The term "subservient" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of autonomy or an unfair power dynamic. However, in some contexts, it might simply describe a hierarchical relationship without necessarily implying negative judgment. It depends on the specific situation and the intent of the speaker or writer.

What's the difference between "be subservient to him" and "respect him"?

"Be subservient to him" implies obedience and submission, often in a hierarchical context. "Respect him", on the other hand, suggests admiration and consideration for his opinions or position, without necessarily implying obedience or submission.