echelons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "echelons" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to levels or ranks within an organization or system, often indicating a hierarchy. Example: "The decision was made at the highest echelons of the company, reflecting the importance of the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Two anomalies have long existed in the upper echelons of golf.

The Guardian - Sport

Clegg has made Coppard's job easier, not just by reneging on his pledge not to increase tuition fees but by being in the highest echelons of a government that, shortly after its formation in 2010, cancelled a £80m loan to Sheffield Forgemasters, which the steel company had hoped to use to buy a new forging press for producing nuclear plant components, creating jobs.

The Guardian

The upper echelons of the Brotherhood's leadership have been decimated by the crackdown, as the Egyptian authorities pursue a "decapitation strategy" that aims to disrupt the structure of the organisation.

The Guardian

According to those in the higher echelons of the party, George Galloway, the party's only MP, formerly of Bethnal Green and Bow and now of Bradford West, is not the national leader.

The Guardian

The files compiled by law enforcement and prosecutors were a burning fuse: they claimed to expose a vast network of organised crime, with evidence of bribery, abuse of power and widespread corruption at the very highest echelons of power.Corruption of the nation's media was at the heart of these allegations.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's exactly in these times of pressure that the upper echelons of the club should gather around their manager.

The Guardian - Sport

In the final gruesome hours of waiting, the American judicial system at its very highest echelons was involved – including the US supreme court, which issued the decisive final ruling.

The Guardian

A champion of those who rejected liberation theology, he was considered a candidate that everyone in the higher echelons of the church respects.

The Guardian

The deaths of Abu Omar al-Baghdadi and Abu Ayub al-Masri were a serious blow to Isis, but the roles they had vacated were quickly filled by the alumni of Camp Bucca – whose upper echelons had begun preparing for this moment since their time behind the wire of their jail in southern Iraq.

The Guardian

By 1968 collective bargaining had secured for an elite class of workers pay and conditions that were not only the envy of nonunionised workers but also of the lower echelons in the labour force in the same trade union.

The Guardian

Indeed, while one DUP MP's career is over, the revelations that Iris Robinson borrowed money from property developers to set her lover up in business are far less serious than allegations of paedophilia and the cover-up of child abuse in the highest echelons of Sinn Féin – if those allegations are true.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "echelons" to precisely describe hierarchical structures within organizations or systems, particularly when emphasizing the different levels of authority or status. For instance, refer to the "upper echelons" of management to denote senior leadership.

Common error

Avoid using "echelons" when referring to a simple, non-hierarchical grouping of people or things. "Echelons" specifically implies a ranked or layered structure, not just any collection or assortment. Use "groups" or "categories" instead for non-hierarchical situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "echelons" is as a noun, typically used in the plural form. It refers to the different levels or ranks within an organization or system. Ludwig AI validates that it's used to describe positions in a hierarchy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "echelons" is a noun that describes levels within a hierarchy, commonly found in professional and news-related contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in describing organizational structures. When writing, use "echelons" to precisely describe hierarchical structures, and avoid using it for simple groupings. Remember that suitable alternatives include "ranks", "tiers", and "levels", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ranks

Focuses more on the hierarchical order and position within an organization.

tiers

Emphasizes the layered structure of a system or organization.

levels

A more general term for stages or positions in a hierarchy.

grades

Implies a system of classification or ranking based on merit or status.

strata

Highlights the different layers or segments within a society or organization.

cadres

Refers to a group of trained or qualified people within an organization.

classes

Divides a population or group into distinct categories based on status or wealth.

spheres

Indicates distinct areas or levels of influence or activity.

segments

Divides a larger group or market into smaller, more manageable portions.

groupings

A general term for dividing individuals into different clusters.

FAQs

How is "echelons" typically used in a sentence?

"Echelons" is generally used to describe levels or ranks within an organization. For example, "The decision was made at the highest "levels" of the company" or "Information flowed down through the "tiers" of management."

What words can I use instead of "echelons"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "ranks", "levels", "tiers", or "grades". The best choice depends on the specific nuances you want to convey.

Is "echelons" a formal or informal word?

"Echelons" is generally considered a formal word, suitable for professional or academic contexts. In more casual settings, words like "levels" or "groups" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "echelons" and "hierarchies"?

"Echelons" refers to the specific levels or ranks within a structure, while "hierarchies" refers to the overall system of ranking. You might speak of climbing the "echelons" of a company, which operates within established "hierarchies".