becomes subservient to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "becomes subservient to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where one entity or individual becomes subordinate or obedient to another. Example: "In the new corporate structure, the marketing department becomes subservient to the sales team, limiting its autonomy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Academic freedom becomes subservient to academic orthodoxy.

The Guardian

European Union leaders are trending down a path where national sovereignty becomes subservient to a hyperstate that has the potential to create laws that run counter to the legal and constitutional traditions of a significant number of member states.

The New York Times

Drummer Joe Talia keeps unobtrusive time, which, given that Ambarchi's guitar is hovering like a sound cloud, opens up an intriguing paradox: pulse normally gives music a heartbeat, but here pulse becomes subservient to time that is developing in extended, uncountable paragraphs.

The Guardian - Music

When culture is imposed from above, Heartfield cautions, it becomes subservient to other ends, detached from the people, and the art itself suffers.

BBC

In essence the music becomes subservient to the machine and the artist had to work to a restrained, constrained situation.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Law has become subservient to politics, but this government had it coming.

The New York Times

In short, the story-telling never became subservient to the stereoscopic effects.

The Economist

Somewhere in between, the Welsh name Tewdwr became subservient to the English Tudor, although Wales' cultural identity was never mislaid.

Independent

The status of constables deteriorated through the years, and eventually the office became subservient to the justice of the peace.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They began by stating that the church in England had become subservient to her "stepmother the great church of Rome".

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The government of Israel has become subservient to Yisrael Beiteinu [Lieberman's party] and its fascist doctrine," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "becomes subservient to", ensure the context clearly indicates the shift in power or authority. It should be evident what entity is losing power and to whom they are becoming subordinate.

Common error

Avoid using "becomes subservient to" when simply indicating cooperation or collaboration. Subservience implies a power imbalance and a loss of autonomy, not just teamwork.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becomes subservient to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of subordination. It describes a change in status where one entity loses power or authority and yields to the control of another. Ludwig AI validates its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "becomes subservient to" describes a state where one entity loses autonomy and is placed under the control of another. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in formal and news-related contexts, despite its relatively low frequency. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates a genuine shift in power dynamics, as opposed to simple cooperation or collaboration. Consider alternative phrases such as "yields authority to" or "is made subordinate to" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is made subordinate to

Stresses the action of being placed in a subservient position by an external force.

subordinates itself to

Highlights the act of placing oneself in a lower rank or position.

is subjected to the authority of

Highlights the experience of being under someone else's power.

is dominated by

Implies a strong influence or control exerted by one entity over another.

yields authority to

Emphasizes the act of giving up power or control.

relinquishes autonomy to

Emphasizes the voluntary surrender of independence.

defers to the power of

Highlights the act of respecting and submitting to another's power.

falls under the control of

Focuses on the transfer of control from one entity to another.

is rendered dependent on

Focuses on the loss of independence and reliance on another.

becomes secondary to

Indicates a shift in importance or priority.

FAQs

How can I use "becomes subservient to" in a sentence?

Use "becomes subservient to" to describe a situation where one entity loses power or autonomy and becomes subordinate to another. For example: "In the new regime, the judiciary "becomes subservient to" the executive branch."

What are some alternatives to "becomes subservient to"?

Alternatives include "yields authority to", "subordinates itself to", or "falls under the control of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "becomes subservient to" and "cooperates with"?

"Becomes subservient to" implies a hierarchical relationship with a loss of autonomy, while "cooperates with" suggests a more equal partnership. Subservience indicates one entity is under the control or authority of another, whereas cooperation implies a voluntary collaboration.

Is it correct to say something "becomes subservient by" something else?

While grammatically understandable, it's more common and stylistically better to say something "becomes subservient to" something else. The preposition "to" clearly indicates the entity to which subservience is directed.