hierarchy of being

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hierarchy of being" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in philosophical, theological, or metaphysical discussions to describe a ranking or ordering of different forms of existence or entities. Example: "In many philosophical traditions, the hierarchy of being is used to explain the relationship between different levels of existence, from inanimate objects to divine beings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The various modes of being within the entire hierarchy of being as well as the three kinds of beings subordinate to the first being all bear a likeness to God; indeed, intellect, the very apex of the universe, is an image of God.

SEP

A thing's being gives it self-reference and dignity with respect to the hierarchy of being.

SEP

In Proclus's opinion, generality was one of the main criteria for determining the ontological priority of an entity (its place in the hierarchy of being).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Being a Beast," especially, is about the exercise of the sympathetic imagination: the book is an atonement for a lifetime of "ontological snobbery," of "belief in a hierarchy of being" which, Foster writes, "made me an insufferable little shit for years".

The New Yorker

This description uniquely defines his place in the hierarchy of being.

SEP

To solve this problem Dietrich turns to the traditional Christian Neoplatonic notion of the hierarchy of being.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Professional role and hierarchy of occupation were factors which were frequently expressed by the students.

BMC Nursing

But what's noteworthy to the student of Nobrow is that the hierarchy of price is not a hierarchy of style.

The New Yorker

"At the top of the hierarchy of memory is the gist, and farther down are the details," Pezdek says.

The New Yorker

First: we are not claiming that this hierarchy of needs is universal.

EPJ Data Science

Hierarchy of fame is a fiction really.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex philosophical concepts, use the phrase "hierarchy of being" to clearly indicate a ranked order of existence. Ensure the context supports this specific meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "hierarchy of being" without providing sufficient context or explanation, especially when writing for a general audience. This phrase is most effective when the reader understands the underlying philosophical or theological concept.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hierarchy of being" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object within a sentence. It denotes a specific philosophical concept. Ludwig provides examples where it describes the ranked order of existence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

Encyclopedias

24%

News & Media

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hierarchy of being" is a noun phrase used to describe a ranked order of existence, commonly discussed in philosophy and theology. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usage across academic, scientific, and news contexts. While considered formal, it's important to provide context when using this phrase. Alternatives include "order of existence" or "scale of being", offering slight nuances in meaning. Overall, "hierarchy of being" is a valuable term for exploring the structured nature of existence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

order of existence

Focuses on the arrangement of beings rather than the structured ranking.

scale of being

Emphasizes the gradual progression from lower to higher forms of existence.

chain of being

Highlights the interconnectedness and dependency between different levels of existence.

levels of existence

Simplifies the concept by referring to distinct stages or planes of being.

degrees of reality

Shifts the focus to the varying levels of realness or actuality.

gradation of being

Stresses the gradual change or progression in the characteristics of existence.

ranking of entities

Uses more neutral terminology, suitable in a non-philosophical context.

cosmic order

Broadens the scope to include all elements of the universe in a structured arrangement.

ontological scale

Replaces the common term with its synonym, focusing on existence.

system of existence

Highlights the organized and interrelated nature of different forms of being.

FAQs

What does the term "hierarchy of being" mean?

The "hierarchy of being" refers to a ranked order of existence, often used in philosophy and theology to describe the relationship between different levels of existence, from the simplest entities to the divine.

In what contexts is the phrase "hierarchy of being" typically used?

This phrase is commonly used in philosophical discussions, theological texts, and metaphysical analyses to explore the nature and structure of existence.

Are there alternative ways to express the concept of a "hierarchy of being"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "order of existence", "scale of being", or "chain of being" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "hierarchy of being" a formal or informal phrase?

The phrase "hierarchy of being" is considered a formal term, primarily used in academic and philosophical writing. It is less common in casual conversation.