rigid hierarchy

USAGE SUMMARY

"rigid hierarchy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a strict, inflexible structure or system in which individuals or groups have clearly defined levels of power and authority. You can use "rigid hierarchy" in a sentence when discussing a specific organization or group that has a very structured and hierarchical system in place. For example: - "The company's strict and rigid hierarchy made it difficult for employees to voice their opinions or suggest new ideas." - "The military operates on a rigid hierarchy, with clear chains of command and strict adherence to rank and authority." - "The school's traditional and rigid hierarchy often stifles innovation and creativity among students and teachers." - "In some cultures, there is a rigid hierarchy within families, with older members holding the most power and influence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The rigid hierarchy of the East was eliminated.

The New York Times

I work in a conservative field with a rigid hierarchy.

The New York Times

The mine operates in a rigid hierarchy, and Imani struggled to find his place in it.

The New York Times

Instead, many describe a rigid hierarchy placing God above humans and humans above the environment.

The Economist

That said, the rigid hierarchy of military authority usually hesitates to embrace the unfamiliar.

The New York Times

Yet even they find the harsh life of brutal training and rigid hierarchy hard to endure.

The Economist

Instead of the top-down, rigid hierarchy practiced in Rome, he wanted a grass-roots perspective.

The New York Times

In the book he describes the rigid hierarchy the prisoners created for themselves.

The New York Times - Books

In this rigid hierarchy, disabled people often don't get the chance to be valued as stylish and elegant".

The Guardian

It has a rigid hierarchy, with a number of figures occupying higher positions than Morsi's had been.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The company's once-rigid hierarchy and vaunted training programs are going through a huge overhaul, as American executives learn to treat foreign-born colleagues as equals, not subordinates.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rigid hierarchy" when you want to convey a sense of strict control and limited upward mobility.

Common error

While "rigid hierarchy" is a valid phrase, avoid using it repetitively in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "strict hierarchy" or "inflexible structure" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rigid hierarchy" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of organizational structure characterized by inflexibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rigid hierarchy" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe inflexible organizational structures. As Ludwig AI shows, it frequently appears in news media and academic writing, often with a critical connotation. While synonyms like "strict hierarchy" or "inflexible structure" can add variety, it's important to use the phrase appropriately to convey the intended meaning of a lack of flexibility and strict control within a system. While a "rigid hierarchy" might not always be detrimental, its characteristics often lead to inefficiencies and stifled innovation, making it a subject of discussion across various fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strict hierarchy

Emphasizes the strict adherence to rules and levels within the hierarchy.

inflexible hierarchy

Highlights the lack of flexibility and adaptability in the hierarchical structure.

hierarchical structure

A more general term, indicating a structure with levels of authority.

top-down system

Focuses on the flow of authority and decision-making from the top levels.

authoritarian structure

Suggests a hierarchy where power is concentrated and decisions are made without input from lower levels.

vertical organization

Describes the shape of the hierarchy, emphasizing the levels from top to bottom.

stratified system

Highlights the different layers or strata within the system.

bureaucratic structure

Implies a rigid system with many rules and procedures.

command hierarchy

A hierarchy focused on the delegation and execution of commands.

formal hierarchy

Emphasizes the official and structured nature of the hierarchy.

FAQs

How to use "rigid hierarchy" in a sentence?

You can use "rigid hierarchy" to describe organizations or systems with strict levels of authority and limited flexibility. For example, "The company's rigid hierarchy made it difficult for new ideas to be heard".

What can I say instead of "rigid hierarchy"?

You can use alternatives like "strict hierarchy", "inflexible hierarchy", or "top-down system" depending on the specific context.

What are the characteristics of a "rigid hierarchy"?

A "rigid hierarchy" is characterized by a clear chain of command, limited flexibility, strict adherence to rules, and often, limited communication between different levels.

Is a "rigid hierarchy" always a bad thing?

Not necessarily. While a "rigid hierarchy" can stifle innovation and communication, it can also provide structure, clarity, and efficient decision-making in certain situations, such as in the military or emergency services.