it is subordinate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is subordinate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the relationship between clauses or phrases in a sentence, indicating that one element is dependent on another. Example: "In the sentence 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk,' the clause 'Although it was raining' is subordinate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Although Shawnee on Delaware is an unincorporated community with no municipal or governmental structure of its own, it is subordinate to the local government of Smithfield Township and the county government of Monroe County, Pennsylvania.

Wikipedia

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

The New York Times

Although more powerful than other financial regulators in the Chinese system, it is subordinate to the State Council, or cabinet, which in turn answers to the Communist Party leadership.

The Economist

The World Intellectual Property Organization is an international body established by treaty among 180 sovereign states, yet in this one realm it is subordinate to a private corporation in the United States: Icann, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.

The New York Times - Magazine

"One, Zuckerberg's world, is a meritocratic, coder-led organization that develops the Facebook site; the other, which is charged with making money out of it, is subordinate.

TechCrunch

In a large republic, the public good is sacrificed to a thousand views; it is subordinate to exceptions, and depends on accidents.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It is subordinated to the prime minister's office.

Britannica

For Rousseau, government is only legitimate insofar as it is subordinated to popular sovereignty or, in other words, follows the general will of the people.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the latter, indeed, Zoroastrian dualism finds clear expression, such as in the concept of a war between the sons of light and the sons of darkness, although it is subordinated to the sovereignty of the one God of Israel.

Britannica

It is subordinated to the will of the Scottish Parliament.

BBC

When the value of membership is 1, it is subordinated completely, and when the value of membership is 0, it is subordinated incompletely.

Applied Water Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is subordinate", ensure the relationship and the controlling entity are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "it is subordinate to X" rather than leaving the context unclear.

Common error

Avoid using "it is subordinate" without explicitly stating what it is subordinate to. Omitting this information can make the sentence vague and difficult to understand. Always specify the superior element for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is subordinate" functions as a linking verb connecting the subject "it" to a predicate adjective, describing its relationship to another entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound. Examples show it indicating hierarchical relationships or relative importance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

22%

Less common in

Science

19%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is subordinate" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that something has a lower rank, importance, or is dependent on something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usage. While the phrase is more common in news, encyclopedic, and wiki contexts, it can appear in various writing styles. For clarity, always specify what "it" is subordinate to. Alternatives include "it is dependent", "it is subject to", and "it is secondary". Proper usage ensures your writing is both precise and easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is subject to

Highlights that something is under the power or control of something else.

it is dependent

Emphasizes reliance on something else for function or existence.

it is controlled by

Directly indicates the element that exerts control.

it is secondary

Focuses on the lower level of importance rather than direct control or hierarchy.

it is subservient to

Implies a willingness to obey orders unquestioningly.

it is inferior to

Focuses on a lower quality or status in comparison to another element.

it is answerable to

Indicates accountability and the need to justify actions to a superior.

it is junior to

Denotes a lower rank or position in a hierarchy based on tenure or seniority.

it reports to

Specifically denotes hierarchical reporting structures, often in organizations.

it is conditional on

Specifies that something is dependent upon certain conditions being met.

FAQs

How do I use "it is subordinate" in a sentence?

Use "it is subordinate" to indicate that something has a lower rank or is less important than something else. For example, "Although Manchester was acquiring regional importance, "it was subordinate" to its near neighbour, Salford."

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

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

What's the difference between "it is subordinate" and "it is subservient"?

"It is subordinate" implies a lower rank or position, while "it is subservient" suggests a more obsequious or compliant role. Subservience often implies a willingness to unquestioningly obey.

Is it better to use "it is subordinate to" or "it is subordinated to"?

"It is subordinate to" describes a state of being, while "it is subordinated to" describes an action of being made subordinate. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing a current state or a process.