in silos

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in silos" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe when information or activities are isolated from each other. For example, "The company was running different departments in silos, making it difficult to coordinate projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thousands of them are ageing in silos.

The Economist

Ministers meet, but in silos.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That information lives in silos," he said.

The Guardian - Tech

For too long councils have worked in silos.

The Guardian

For another, the age of working in silos is over.

The Guardian

In other countries, institutions might work in silos.

The Guardian

The plan includes 10 missile interceptors in silos in Poland.

The New York Times

These causes can no longer operate in silos.

The Guardian - Opinion

We simply cannot afford to work in silos.

The Guardian

"Living in silos is a thing of the past".

The New York Times

No longer do kids work in silos, isolated from their peers and the community around them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in silos" to clearly convey that departments, teams, or systems are operating independently and without effective communication or integration. It's particularly effective when discussing organizational inefficiencies or data management issues.

Common error

Avoid using "in silos" when simply referring to physical storage locations. The phrase primarily describes a lack of communication or integration, not literal containers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in silos" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to describe how something is done or where something exists. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase indicates a state of separation or isolation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Reference

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in silos" is a very common and correct prepositional phrase used to describe a lack of integration or communication between different entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific settings. It's important to use "in silos" when referring to a lack of communication or integration, not merely physical storage. Consider alternatives such as "in isolation" or "compartmentalized" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in isolation

Focuses on the state of being alone or separated, without necessarily implying a structural separation.

compartmentalized

Emphasizes the division into separate categories or compartments, often suggesting a deliberate organizational structure.

stovepiped

Implies a narrow, vertical structure where information flows poorly between different levels or departments.

disconnected

Highlights the lack of connection or communication between different parts or entities.

fragmented

Suggests a breaking apart or division into smaller, disconnected pieces.

segregated

Implies a separation based on specific criteria, often with negative connotations.

independently

Highlights autonomous operation, lacking the collaboration aspect of the original phrase.

self-contained

Stresses the completeness and autonomy of individual units, often implying a lack of need for external interaction.

independently operating

Highlights autonomous operation, lacking the collaboration aspect of the original phrase.

working separately

Emphasizes a lack of collaboration or integration.

FAQs

How can I use "in silos" in a sentence?

You can use "in silos" to describe situations where departments or groups are isolated. For instance, "The marketing and sales teams operated "in silos", leading to inconsistent messaging and missed opportunities."

What does it mean when people say departments are working "in silos"?

When departments are working "in silos", it means they are operating independently without sharing information or coordinating efforts, often leading to inefficiency and redundancy.

What are some alternatives to saying "in silos"?

Alternatives to "in silos" include "in isolation", "compartmentalized", or "disconnected", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better for a company to work collaboratively or "in silos"?

Generally, collaboration is more beneficial than working "in silos". Collaboration promotes knowledge sharing, innovation, and efficiency, while working "in silos" can lead to duplicated effort and missed opportunities.