power structures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "power structures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the systems of authority and organization within a society, institution, or group that dictate how power is distributed and exercised. Example: "The study examines how power structures influence decision-making processes within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They can bypass existing power structures and use powerful international institutions.

The Guardian

The tribal power structures were shaken.

The New York Times

Then she became a threat to traditional power structures.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All power structures, including those within the university, seemed "provisional".

The Guardian - Books

Shifting American power structures make those happy with the earlier hierarchy increasingly uncomfortable.

The Guardian - Opinion

A country's history, institutions, and power structures have a profound impact on whether reform can work.

The New Yorker

His role at B.S.G.R. was to accumulate relationships and identify relevant power structures.

The New Yorker

But none of them is embedded into the party's power structures.

The Guardian - Opinion

While the actors bonded, the directors struggled with the upended power structures of their temporary visitation.

The Guardian

Art has as much potential to perpetuate oppressive power structures as it does to dismantle them.

The Guardian - Opinion

But they still maintain power structures from within, by predominantly funding only "pre-selected" organisations.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "power structures" when discussing established or formal systems of control and influence.

Common error

Avoid using "power structures" vaguely; instead, specify which structures you are referring to (e.g., "the power structures within the government" rather than just "power structures").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "power structures" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to the established systems and hierarchies within societies, organizations, or other groups that determine the distribution and exercise of power, as evidenced by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "power structures" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that refers to the systems of authority and organization within a society, institution, or group. As Ludwig AI confirms, its most common usage is within News & Media. Alternatives such as "authority systems" or "hierarchical systems" may be used depending on the specific nuance desired. When employing this phrase, specify the context to maintain clarity and avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authority systems

Focuses on the formal systems of authority, emphasizing hierarchy.

hierarchical systems

Highlights the tiered nature of power distribution.

governance frameworks

Emphasizes the frameworks and rules within which power is exercised.

control mechanisms

Focuses on the processes and tools used to maintain control.

political systems

Highlights the political aspect of how power is organized and distributed.

organizational hierarchies

Specifically refers to the structured levels within an organization.

social hierarchies

Focuses on power dynamics within a broader social context.

ruling elites

Refers to the individuals or groups who hold significant power.

established order

Implies a traditional or long-standing system of power.

chain of command

Highlights the linear structure of authority and reporting relationships.

FAQs

How can I use "power structures" in a sentence?

"Power structures" can be used to describe the systems that dictate how power is distributed and exercised within a society, institution, or group. For example: "The study examines how "power structures" influence decision-making processes within the organization."

What are some alternatives to "power structures"?

Alternatives include "authority systems", "hierarchical systems", or "governance frameworks", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "shifting power structures"?

Yes, "shifting power structures" is a correct and commonly used phrase to describe changes in the distribution or exercise of power.

What is the difference between "power structures" and "social hierarchies"?

"Power structures" refers to the overall systems of authority, while "social hierarchies" specifically focuses on the ranked order of individuals or groups within a society based on factors like status, wealth, or influence.