hierarchical structure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hierarchical structure" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example: The company has a hierarchical structure with four levels of supervisors.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or the hierarchical structure of Catholicism?

The New York Times

Others preferred a less hierarchical structure.

The New York Times - Magazine

Kimchi, R. The perception of hierarchical structure.

Nature

This tends to have a hierarchical structure.

The New York Times

Neither has authoritative leaders or a formal hierarchical structure.

The New Yorker

There's still a hierarchical structure in French universities.

The Guardian

The ECFR has a hierarchical structure.

Cornell University

Bursty and Hierarchical Structure in Streams.

Cornell University

Hierarchical structure means that the structure fabricated by smaller subunits.

Nature

The hierarchical structure and mechanics of plant materials.

Nature

Control centrality and hierarchical structure in complex networks.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing organizational frameworks, use "hierarchical structure" to accurately depict systems where elements are ranked and ordered.

Common error

Avoid using "hierarchical structure" when describing flat or decentralized systems. Ensure the system truly involves ranked levels of authority or importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hierarchical structure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows its use in describing various organizational and systemic arrangements, from corporate management to scientific classifications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hierarchical structure" is a versatile noun phrase widely employed to describe systems with ranked or layered arrangements. As shown by Ludwig, it's commonly used in news, science, and academic writing, maintaining a neutral to professional tone. While grammatically correct and frequently used, it's essential to ensure the context genuinely reflects a hierarchical arrangement to avoid misuse. Alternatives like "graded system" or "stratified organization" can provide nuance depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase can be used in written English and is correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nested hierarchy

Suggests a hierarchy contained within another hierarchy.

command hierarchy

Specific to systems or organizations where authority is strictly defined.

stratified organization

Stresses the division into different levels or classes within an organization.

ranked order

Focuses on the sequential arrangement based on importance or status.

organizational pyramid

Uses a pyramid shape as an image for the arrangement of power and roles.

graded system

Emphasizes the systematic arrangement of elements based on a scale or rank.

layered arrangement

Highlights the organization in superimposed levels or strata.

scalar chain

Highlights a linear sequence of authority from top to bottom.

vertical arrangement

Focuses on the up-down alignment in the structure.

pecking order

Implies a social hierarchy where dominance is established and maintained.

FAQs

How can I use "hierarchical structure" in a sentence?

You can use "hierarchical structure" to describe the arrangement of power in an organization, the layers of a database, or the organization of concepts in a field of study. For example: "The company's hierarchical structure ensures clear lines of authority."

What phrases are similar to "hierarchical structure"?

Similar phrases include "graded system", "ranked order", or "stratified organization", depending on the specific context.

Is "hierarchical structure" formal or informal language?

"Hierarchical structure" is generally considered neutral to formal language, suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts.

What is the difference between a "hierarchical structure" and a network?

A "hierarchical structure" implies a ranked order with clear levels of authority or importance, while a network suggests interconnected nodes without necessarily implying a strict ranking. Networks can be decentralized while a hierarchical structure is inherently centralized.