internal structure

USAGE SUMMARY

'internal structure' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the arrangement of the elements of a complex system (such as a sentence, organization, or plan). For example, "The sentence's internal structure was confusing and made it difficult to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Internal structure of fishes.

Britannica

§ 96.32 Internal structure and oversight.

Cornell University

It also explains their internal structure.

MIT Technology Review

"What is the internal structure of such forces?

The New York Times

But its internal structure is very different too.

The Guardian - Sport

They now know something of the internal structure and politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

The internal structure of the shell of Chonetes is distinctive.

Britannica

The first is the internal structure of these formations.

MIT Technology Review

Coefficient alpha and the internal structure of tests.

Nature

An Analysis of The Internal Structure of Large Autonomous Systems.

University of California, Berkeley

Compared to atoms, molecules have a much richer internal structure.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the "internal structure" of an organization, clearly define the hierarchy and reporting lines to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vague descriptions of "internal structure". Instead, provide specific details about key components and their relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "internal structure" functions primarily as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to the arrangement of components within a system, organization, or object. This aligns with the numerous examples provided, where it describes the makeup of entities ranging from fish skeletons to corporate hierarchies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the noun phrase "internal structure" is grammatically correct and very common, particularly within scientific, news, and academic contexts. As noted by Ludwig AI, it denotes the arrangement of elements within a complex system, and its communicative purpose is primarily descriptive and explanatory. While its register leans towards neutral and formal, it finds use across diverse fields. To enhance clarity and avoid overgeneralization, be specific about the individual elements that form the "internal structure" and their relationships. Furthermore, consider contextually appropriate alternatives such as "inner organization" or "underlying framework" to enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

internal arrangement

Similar, but emphasizes the act of arrangement within.

inner organization

Focuses on the organizational aspect within, differing from a general structural description.

intrinsic composition

Highlights the components that make up the inside, rather than just the layout.

underlying framework

Emphasizes the supportive system inside that gives form.

core architecture

Specifies that it's the main design inside being referred to.

inherent arrangement

Concentrates on how things are placed by nature or design inside.

organizational layout

Highlights the specific placement and design of the organization within.

structural composition

Emphasizes how components build up the inside.

essential constitution

Focuses on the fundamental makeup of something internal.

internal makeup

A more informal way to describe the components inside.

FAQs

How can I describe the "internal structure" of a company?

Focus on elements such as hierarchy, departments, and communication flows. Consider using phrases like "organizational layout" or "inner organization" for variety.

What is a common error when discussing "internal structure"?

A frequent mistake is to offer overly general descriptions. Always aim for specifics when detailing components and their relationships, and consider alternative phrasing such as "underlying framework" to add nuance.

What are some contexts where I might discuss "internal structure"?

This phrase is common in scientific papers, news articles, and business reports. You might use it to describe the components of a cell, the organization of a company, or the layout of a building.

What's the difference between "internal structure" and "external structure"?

"Internal structure" refers to the arrangement of elements within something, while "external structure" refers to its outward form or appearance.