is a hierarchy of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a hierarchy of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a structured arrangement or ranking of elements within a system or organization. Example: "The organization is a hierarchy of various departments, each with its own responsibilities and functions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"There is a hierarchy of races".

The New York Times

There is a hierarchy of subject matter.

The Guardian - Books

Under rule 157, there is a hierarchy of valuation techniques.

The New York Times

There is a hierarchy of justifications for backing Trump.

The New Yorker

He denies that there is a "hierarchy" of protected groups or characteristics.

The Guardian

I think Documenta is a hierarchy of tastes and preferences of whoever is boss that year.

The New York Times - Arts

"Whether people want to admit it or not, there is a hierarchy of race".

The New York Times

Though the Purple Heart club is a band of brothers, there is a hierarchy of wounds.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The similarity between words is measured using the Lin similarity measure (15) and the is-a hierarchy of WordNet.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

But scientists believe that there is a hierarchy of facts and that a judicious choice may be made among them.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

[There is a] hierarchy of tradition, like a white boys club.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is a hierarchy of", ensure the elements being arranged are clearly defined and the basis for the hierarchy is evident. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "is a hierarchy of" without explicitly stating the criteria for the ranking. Failing to do so can lead to confusion, as readers may misinterpret the intended order or significance of the elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a hierarchy of" functions as a linking verb followed by a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to establish a relationship, indicating that a subject possesses a tiered arrangement. The examples show its use in various contexts, from race and data protection to organizational structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is a hierarchy of" effectively communicates a structured arrangement or ranking of elements within a system. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts. Its primary function is to describe tiered systems, often implying varying levels of importance or authority. While the phrase's register leans toward formal, it is versatile enough for use in neutral contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the criteria for the hierarchy are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For situations demanding different semantic nuances, alternatives such as "is a ranking of" or "is a system of levels" can offer appropriate substitutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a ranking of

Focuses specifically on the ordered placement of items based on a particular criterion.

is a stratification of

Emphasizes the layering or division into distinct levels within a system.

is an ordering of

Highlights the arrangement of elements in a particular sequence or order.

is a system of levels

Directly refers to a structured organization with multiple tiers.

is a chain of command

Specifies a hierarchical structure emphasizing authority and reporting relationships.

is an ascending order of

Highlights the increasing nature of elements along a defined scale.

is a pecking order of

Implies a social hierarchy where individuals compete for status or dominance.

is a ladder of

Conveys a sense of progression or advancement through different stages or levels.

is a scale of

Indicates a range of values or positions organized along a continuous spectrum.

is a pyramid of

Visually suggests a structure with a broad base narrowing towards a peak.

FAQs

How can I use "is a hierarchy of" in a sentence?

You can use "is a hierarchy of" to describe any system where elements are ranked or arranged in order of importance, size, or complexity. For example, "The company "is a hierarchy of" departments, each with specific responsibilities."

What are some alternatives to "is a hierarchy of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "is a ranking of", "is a system of levels", or "is an ordering of".

How does a hierarchy differ from a simple list?

A hierarchy implies a ranked order or levels of importance, while a simple list just presents items without indicating any relative significance. Using ""is a hierarchy of"" suggests that some elements are more dominant or fundamental than others.

In what contexts is "is a hierarchy of" most appropriate?

"Is a hierarchy of" is appropriate in formal and academic contexts when describing structured systems. It is also suitable for explaining organizational structures, scientific classifications, or any arrangement where elements are ordered based on specific criteria. Consider a similar, but less formal option for colloquial sentences like the "pecking order of" for less formal scenarios.