lowest tier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lowest tier" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the lowest level or category in a hierarchy or ranking system. Example: "The employees in the lowest tier of the company often have the least amount of responsibility and the lowest salaries." In this sentence, "lowest tier" is used to describe the lowest level of employees in the company's hierarchy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Laboratory Response Network is a tiered system of laboratories with capacities defined in an A (lowest tier) through D (highest) pyramid structure (3, 4).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Mr. Robinson said students also improperly wedged the second tier of logs into this lowest tier.

The New York Times

"These ladies were on the very lowest tier," Richard Jaffe, who represents Ms. Morgan, said.

The New York Times

Those who place themselves in the lowest tier have doubled in just the past six years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now look at the percentage of people who could use the lowest tier of voice service.

The New York Times

Parish and town councils form the lowest tier of local government in England.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The most vulnerable women are poor Dalits, the lowest tier of the social structure.

The New York Times

At the lowest tier of River Park, we stopped and listened as the water slapped against the mud banks.

The New Yorker

Since the club was founded in 1907, they have spent 78 seasons in the lowest tier of the Football League.

The Guardian

The really clever part is this: At most carriers, based on actual use, the lowest tier of data would be enough for most people but the lowest tier of voice minutes wouldn't.

The New York Times

The cutoff for the lowest tier ranges from $86,000 in Atlanta to $349,000 in San Francisco.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Using "lowest tier" is effective when categorizing or differentiating items or individuals based on rank, quality, or importance.

Common error

Avoid using "lowest tier" without clearly establishing the overall hierarchical structure. Without context, the phrase can lack meaning and confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lowest tier" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object, identifying the bottom level or category within a hierarchical structure. Ludwig examples show its wide applicability in contexts ranging from government to sports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lowest tier" effectively denotes the bottom level or category within a hierarchical system, as evidenced by its frequent use across various sources analyzed by Ludwig. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, making it a reliable choice for clear communication. Its applications span from governmental structures to sports leagues, emphasizing its versatility. When using "lowest tier", ensure you provide sufficient context about the hierarchy to avoid ambiguity and maximize clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bottom tier

Synonymous, but uses "bottom" instead of "lowest".

bottom rung

Refers to the lowest position in a hierarchy, often implying a starting point.

base level

Indicates the foundational or most basic level of something.

entry-level

Describes the initial position or rank, typically in a career or organization.

bottom stratum

Refers to the lowest layer or class, often in a social or organizational context.

lowest echelon

Indicates the lowest rank or level within an organization or system.

foundation level

Describes the basic level upon which everything else is built.

ground floor

Implies the starting point or foundation of a structure or organization.

basic grade

Refers to the fundamental or elementary level in a classification or ranking.

initial stage

Refers to the very beginning phase or level of a process or system.

FAQs

How can I use "lowest tier" in a sentence?

You can use "lowest tier" to describe the bottom level in a hierarchy, such as "The generic drugs are usually in the "lowest tier" of the drug pricing system."

What are some alternatives to saying "lowest tier"?

You can use alternatives like "bottom rung", "base level", or "entry-level" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "lowest tier" or "lower tier"?

"Lowest tier" refers to the absolute bottom level, while "lower tier" indicates a level that is below another but not necessarily the absolute lowest.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "lowest tier"?

It's appropriate to use "lowest tier" when describing a ranking system, organizational structure, or any situation where entities are classified into hierarchical levels.