is subordinate to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is subordinate to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a subordinate relationship between two entities. For example, "The student's role is subordinate to the teacher's authority."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Using the principle of subordination and (2.7), we see that the analytic dilatation is subordinate to.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Capital is subordinate to that.

The Guardian

Character, in this papacy, is subordinate to spectacle.

The New Yorker

Even misery is subordinate to the big beat.

The Guardian - Music

And everything that is fantastical is subordinate to them.

Independent

The latter offense is subordinate to the former.

Cornell University

Everything – from the courts to local authority swimming pools – is subordinate to that aim.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some people will say a woman is subordinate to men because it's our culture.

The Guardian - Books

In Nazism, everyone is subordinate to the race war; in Bolshevism, to the class struggle.

The New Yorker

It is subordinate to the nationalist Right Sector, a Ukrainian militia.

The New York Times

Each village is governed by a chief who, in turn, is subordinate to a divisional chief.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is subordinate to", ensure that the hierarchical relationship is clear to the reader. Specify both the subordinate and the superior entities to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that subordination implies complete lack of agency. Just because one entity "is subordinate to" another doesn't mean it lacks autonomy or influence entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is subordinate to" functions as a linking phrase indicating a hierarchical relationship between two entities. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, it establishes that one element has a lower rank or less authority than another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is subordinate to" is a versatile phrase used to indicate hierarchical relationships across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. While it appears most frequently in news, academic, and encyclopedia sources, its core function is to clearly establish roles, responsibilities, and relative importance. When using "is subordinate to", ensure the relationship is clearly defined, and avoid assuming that subordination implies a complete lack of agency. Alternatives like "is secondary to" or "is lower in rank than" may offer nuanced expressions of the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is secondary to

Focuses on importance, indicating something is less important.

is lower in rank than

Specifically denotes hierarchical position.

is under the authority of

Highlights the aspect of direct control and command.

is answerable to

Emphasizes accountability and reporting structure.

is controlled by

Highlights the power dynamics and dominance.

is subject to

Emphasizes a condition of dependence or vulnerability.

is inferior to

Directly states a lower quality or status.

is governed by

Focuses on the rule or principles defining dependence.

is a function of

Highlights that the first element is determined by the second one.

depends on

Highlights that the first element relies on the second one.

FAQs

How to use "is subordinate to" in a sentence?

The phrase "is subordinate to" indicates a hierarchical relationship where one entity has less power or authority than another. For example, "The marketing department "is subordinate to" the sales division."

What can I say instead of "is subordinate to"?

You can use alternatives like "is secondary to", "is lower in rank than", or "is under the authority of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is subordinate to" or "is subordinated to"?

"Is subordinate to" is generally preferred to indicate a state of being in a hierarchical relationship. "Is subordinated to" implies an action of being placed in a lower position, although both can be grammatically correct depending on context.

What's the difference between "is subordinate to" and "is dependent on"?

"Is subordinate to" implies a hierarchical ranking, while "is dependent on" suggests reliance or need. An entity can be dependent on another without being subordinate to it, and vice versa.