is subservient to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is subservient to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where one entity is in a position of lesser power or authority compared to another. Example: "In this organization, the junior staff is subservient to the management team, following their directives and decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

In French classical theater, action is subservient to words.

The New York Times

There he argued that in drama character is subservient to plot the way that in painting color is subservient to form.

The New York Times

This created the appearance that she is subservient to the Brotherhood.

The New York Times

In all these activities the representative power of words is subservient to their practical import.

Encyclopedia Britannica

My life is subservient to painting - I can't find a substitute for it in the world".

The Guardian - Arts

The clock-watcher's time is subservient to place in Indigenous culture.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

But Japan was subservient to the US.

The Guardian - Books

The gods just want us to be subservient to nature.

The New Yorker

Even this envoy was subservient to the Coalition.

The New Yorker

But we think the government should be subservient to us".

The Guardian

"This president shall be subservient to the Parliament".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is subservient to", ensure the context clearly establishes the power dynamic and the nature of the relationship between the entities involved. For example, "In this company, marketing is subservient to sales, meaning marketing efforts are always aligned with sales objectives."

Common error

Avoid using "is subservient to" when the relationship is one of collaboration or mutual influence rather than strict hierarchical control. Subservience implies a significant power imbalance and lack of autonomy. For instance, saying "Innovation is subservient to tradition" might be misleading if the intention is to convey that innovation should respect tradition, not be entirely dictated by it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is subservient to" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a relationship of subordination or dependence. Ludwig's examples demonstrate how it connects two entities, establishing that one is of lesser importance or authority than the other. It describes a hierarchical structure or a power dynamic where one element is controlled by or yields to another.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is subservient to" is a prepositional phrase indicating subordination or dependence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, highlighting its presence across news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While alternatives like "is subordinate to" exist, "is subservient to" carries a stronger connotation of control and diminished autonomy. When incorporating it into your writing, ensure that the power dynamic is evident and accurately represents the intended relationship between subjects. Using "is subservient to" incorrectly can misrepresent relationships, particularly when implying a stricter hierarchy than what is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is subordinate to

Indicates a lower rank or position in a hierarchy.

is secondary to

Implies that something is of lesser importance or priority.

is subject to

Highlights that something is under the control or influence of another.

is dependent on

Shows a reliance on something else for support or existence.

is controlled by

Indicates a lack of autonomy and being governed by an external force.

is answerable to

Signifies accountability and the need to report to someone higher up.

is dictated by

Suggests that something is determined or commanded by another.

is at the mercy of

Emphasizes a vulnerable position where one is controlled by unpredictable elements.

is in thrall to

Indicates a state of being powerfully controlled or influenced.

is a pawn of

Implies being used or manipulated by someone for their own purposes.

FAQs

How can I use "is subservient to" in a sentence?

The phrase "is subservient to" is used to describe a situation where one entity is in a position of lesser power or authority compared to another. For example: "In French classical theater, action "is subservient to" words".

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

You can use alternatives like "is subordinate to", "is secondary to", or "is subject to" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is subservient to"?

It is appropriate to use "is subservient to" when you want to emphasize a clear hierarchical relationship where one entity's actions or priorities are dictated by another. Make sure that the relationship does reflect an actual subordination and not a mutual collaboration.

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

Both "is subservient to" and "is subordinate to" are correct, but "is subordinate to" is a milder term, while "is subservient to" implies a stronger degree of control and lack of autonomy.