structure

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'structure' is correct and acceptable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the way something is organized or built, such as the structure of a building, the structure of an essay, or the structure of a society. For example, you could say: "The structure of the building had been weakened by the heavy rains of recent months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Central Americans displayed a sounder structure, with the wing-backs helping the three centre-backs and the midfield providing protection too, and Mora suggested that he bore no ill-effects from his torment in Elche by producing a phenomenal one-handed save to deny Erin Vandenbergh early on.

The Guardian - Sport

However, such is the structure of these sorts of bonuses that they are paid regardless of performance.

The Guardian - Opinion

An initial report by Sir Roy warned this week that the current funding structure, supplemented by fare income of around £6bn a year, could be "unsustainable".

The Guardian

A tiny minority of Muslim scholars have recently suggested a prior Muslim presence in the Americas, although no pre-Columbian ruin of an Islamic structure has ever been found.

The Guardian

Salmond sent the former BBC Scotland news executive Blair Jenkins, soon to be Yes Scotland's chief executive but then only a yes vote supporter, to brief the press, yet was unable to answer any key questions about its policies, structure or plans.

The Guardian

The official economic watchdog says that the age structure of the latest waves of mass migration is skewed to those of working age – they are mostly coming to Britain to work or study.

The Guardian

The top floor of the Willis Tower, at 1,354 ft, is higher than the One World Trade Center's top floor at 1,268 ft. The debate was particularly charged because of the symbolic nature of the metal structure on One World Trade Center.

The Guardian - Arts

In England there is a grading structure of nine pay bands.

The Guardian

The existing practice structure is failing because of prolonged passive disinvestment by the current owner operators as it has become apparent that their assets have no market.

The Guardian

Using a dictionary structure makes it easy to change the content sent to the template but I don't want the template to modify the contents as it renders it.

The Guardian

The upper echelons of the Brotherhood's leadership have been decimated by the crackdown, as the Egyptian authorities pursue a "decapitation strategy" that aims to disrupt the structure of the organisation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex systems, use "structure" to denote the underlying organization and relationships between components. Be specific about which structure you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "structure" as a generic term. Always specify what is being structured. For example, instead of "The structure is complex", specify "The organizational structure of the company is complex".

Linguistic Context

The word "structure" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the arrangement or organization of elements in a system or entity. Ludwig AI supports this, demonstrating usage across diverse fields like politics, economics, and architecture.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

7%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "structure" is a versatile and frequently used noun that denotes the arrangement or organization of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use across various domains, including news, business, and science. The most common error is using it vaguely without specifying the context. To enhance clarity, ensure you specify what exactly has a structure. The alternatives such as "organization", "framework", and "composition" can provide nuance to your writing. Whether discussing architectural designs or societal systems, understanding its proper application is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

organizational framework

Specifies the organizational aspect of the structure.

underlying architecture

Emphasizes the foundational design aspects.

compositional arrangement

Highlights the arrangement of elements within a structure.

systematic organization

Focuses on the methodical nature of the structure.

internal framework

Refers to the inner workings and support system.

hierarchical arrangement

Suggests a ranked or layered configuration.

formal construction

Highlights the planned and deliberate building of something.

basic constitution

Refers to the fundamental makeup or components.

overall configuration

Emphasizes the comprehensive form or shape.

integrated design

Focuses on the cohesive and interconnected nature of the components.

FAQs

How can I use "structure" in a sentence?

You can use "structure" to refer to the arrangement or organization of something, such as "The "structure of the building" was damaged" or "The "structure of the essay" was well-organized".

What's the difference between "structure" and "framework"?

"Structure" refers to the arrangement of parts within a whole, while "framework" often implies a supporting or guiding system. A "building structure" is its physical form, whereas a "policy framework" provides guidelines.

Which is correct: "structure of" or "structure for"?

While both can be correct depending on the context, "structure of" is more common when referring to the components of something (e.g., "the structure of the atom"). "Structure for" is used less frequently but can describe a planned or intended arrangement (e.g., "a structure for collaboration").

What can I say instead of "structure"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "organization", "arrangement", "framework", or "composition".