silos

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "silos" is correct and usable in written English.
The word "silos" typically refers to tall, cylindrical structures that are used to store grain and other bulk materials. The word can be used figuratively as well, to describe conditions in which people or organizations do not share information, resources, or goals with one another. For example: The departments in our company are like silos, with little communication or collaboration between them.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On 18 July, the City of Night art festival will see industrial grain silos hosting exhibitions, performances and an art fair.

The Guardian - Travel

We're really trying to break down the silos between the different digital and traditional marketing disciplines and bring them all together in a strong, creative team.

The Guardian

But to prepare its pupils as future citizens of a multicultural Britain, schools also have a duty to avoid becoming cultural silos.

The Guardian - Opinion

iPad bop.fm Music Player (Free) As a website, bop.fm has been trying to connect the various streaming silos: Spotify, YouTube, Deezer and so on, so that when you share a link from one with a friend, they can play that song in another.

The Guardian - Tech

Kasich added it was time to "stop hanging out in our silos thinking that we've got all the answers without realising that you can compromise without losing your principles".

The Guardian

In our UK and international reporting network, we must seek to have people in the right places ready to devote their talents to covering the big FT stories and not risk becoming isolated in silos or geographies.

The Guardian

Economists need to reach out from their specialised silos: macroeconomists must understand finance, and finance professors need to think harder about the context within which markets work.

The Economist

But not, however, to the exclusion of other staples of the memo tradition, such as "silos", "analysis paralysis", "dropped balls", and so forth.

The Economist

The Italian and, to some extent, German authorities are fighting gamely on behalf of their national silos.

The Economist

Hans Blix was on the ground nosing out the non-existent silos and launch tubes.

The Economist

Newcomers often complain that they are at a disadvantage because they are shut out by the likes of Deutsche Börse's Eurex and InterContinental Exchange's Liffe, which operate "vertical silos", though not by LCH.Clearnet (owned by London Stock Exchange Group).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "silos" to illustrate a lack of communication or collaboration within an organization. For example, avoid "working in silos" by encouraging cross-departmental projects.

Common error

Don't use "silos" solely for physical structures. It's more powerful metaphorically to describe disconnected systems or teams.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "silos" is as a noun, typically used in its plural form. It can refer to physical structures for storage or, more commonly, to metaphorical divisions that hinder collaboration. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "silos" functions primarily as a noun and commonly describes both physical storage structures and, metaphorically, divisions within organizations that hinder communication. Ludwig AI validates its correct and frequent use, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. To avoid misinterpretations, use "silos" when specifically referring to isolated entities, not just any division. Alternatives such as ""isolated departments"" or "separate divisions" can provide nuanced descriptions, maintaining clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

isolated departments

Focuses on the isolation aspect, highlighting separate units within an organization.

compartmentalized units

Emphasizes the division into distinct sections or compartments.

separate divisions

Highlights the distinct nature and separation of different parts.

independent units

Stresses the autonomy and lack of interdependence between units.

self-contained divisions

Highlights the independence and completeness of each division.

storage containers

Focuses on the physical aspect of storage units, similar to grain silos.

unconnected departments

Emphasizes the lack of connection or communication between departments.

segregated entities

Highlights the separation and distinct existence of different entities.

discrete groups

Focuses on the individuality and separateness of groups.

fragmented teams

Emphasizes the broken or disconnected nature of teams.

FAQs

How can I use "silos" in a sentence?

You can use "silos" to describe departments or groups that operate independently and don't share information, such as: "The company suffered because its departments functioned as "isolated departments"".

What is the difference between "silos" and "compartments"?

"Silos" often implies a negative connotation of isolation and lack of communication, while "compartments" is more neutral and simply refers to separate sections or divisions.

What are some alternatives to using the word "silos"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "independent units", "segregated entities", or "discrete groups".

In what context is it appropriate to use the term "silos"?

The term "silos" is appropriate when discussing organizational structures, data management, or any situation where separate entities are not effectively communicating or collaborating.