strict hierarchy

USAGE SUMMARY

"strict hierarchy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a system in which certain people or things are given more power, status, and authority than others. For example, "The company had a strict hierarchy of management, with the CEO at the top."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These were enforced through the strict hierarchy of military organisation.

The Guardian - Film

In Ontario, there wasn't a strict hierarchy of colleges.

The New Yorker

In order to survive, the movement became reliant on secrecy and a strict hierarchy.

The Guardian

Strict hierarchy dominates out in the field: When a leader says go left, they go left.

Stanford University

Toyota has a strict hierarchy, but it gives employees freedom to push back.

Harvard Business Review

The Abe government hopes to shed Japan's reputation as a land of strict hierarchy and bureaucracy.

The New York Times

Besides, DeNA does not have the strict hierarchy of a traditional Japanese company.

The New York Times

Strict hierarchy, especially within regional outfits that are vehicles for satraps, closes down independent thought.

The Economist

But thanks to Rabaa and its aftermath, its strict hierarchy has been weakened, and its charity work all but ended.

The Guardian

Still, it's fun to see Bill squirm under her authority, and the vampires do love a strict hierarchy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

What I didn't imagine was the reality: it was stressful, with long hours and a strict hierarchy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing organizational structures, use "strict hierarchy" to emphasize a clear and rigid power dynamic. This phrase is particularly effective in contexts where adherence to rank and authority is paramount.

Common error

Avoid using "strict hierarchy" in contexts where collaboration and flat organizational structures are valued. It can imply inflexibility and a lack of employee empowerment, which may be undesirable in modern workplaces.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strict hierarchy" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes a system or organization with clearly defined levels of authority and power, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

13%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

11%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strict hierarchy" is a common phrase used to describe systems with clearly defined ranks and authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media, academic, and encyclopedia contexts. When using "strict hierarchy", be mindful of its connotations; while it can denote order and control, it may also imply inflexibility. Consider related phrases like ""rigid hierarchy"" or ""formal hierarchy"" to fine-tune the meaning. Remember to use "strict hierarchy" to highlight rigidity in power dynamics, avoiding its use in contexts that value collaboration and flat structures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rigid hierarchy

Replaces "strict" with "rigid", emphasizing inflexibility.

stringent hierarchy

Substitutes "strict" with "stringent", highlighting the demanding nature of the hierarchy.

firm hierarchy

Uses "firm" instead of "strict", suggesting a stable and well-established hierarchy.

tight hierarchy

Replaces "strict" with "tight", implying a closely controlled and closely monitored hierarchy.

robust hierarchy

Employs "robust" instead of "strict", indicating a strong and resilient hierarchical structure.

unyielding hierarchy

Replaces "strict" with "unyielding", stressing the inflexibility and rigidity of the structure.

formal hierarchy

Uses "formal" instead of "strict", denoting an established and regulated hierarchical structure.

rigid stratification

Changes both "strict" to "rigid" and "hierarchy" to "stratification", emphasizing layers and inflexibility.

inflexible chain of command

Replaces "strict hierarchy" with a more descriptive phrase that highlights the inflexibility and military-like command structure.

hierarchical structure

Replaces "strict hierarchy" with a more general term.

FAQs

How can I use "strict hierarchy" in a sentence?

You can use "strict hierarchy" to describe organizations or systems where authority and rank are clearly defined. For example, "The military operates under a "strict hierarchy", with clear lines of command."

What are some alternatives to "strict hierarchy"?

Alternatives include "rigid hierarchy", "formal hierarchy", or "inflexible chain of command", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "strict hierarchy" or "hierarchical structure"?

"Strict hierarchy" emphasizes the rigidity and clear definition of ranks, whereas "hierarchical structure" is a more general term. Choose "strict hierarchy" when you want to highlight the adherence to rank and authority.

In what contexts is "strict hierarchy" most appropriate?

The term "strict hierarchy" is well-suited for describing organizations like the military, traditional businesses, or any system where order and control are paramount. However, be mindful of its potential negative connotations in contexts that value collaboration and employee empowerment.