structured

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "structured" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has been deliberately organized or arranged in a particular way, such as rules, a system, or a plan. For example, "The company has a structured approach to employee onboarding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Deliberately structured like a western, American Sniper's climax pits Kyle against Mustafa, an Iraqi sniper who does not utter a single word throughout the entire film.

The Guardian - Film

McNamara says there are still some "general challenges around the way the UK energy market is structured that make major technological change difficult – perhaps more difficult than in some other countries with different regulatory set-ups".

The Guardian

And even if the call is UK to UK, it's very likely – because of the way the system is structured – to go out of the UK and come back in through these fibre-optic channels".

The Guardian

It is a loosely structured panoramic account of the advent of jihadism in Mali, an angry, compassionate film, more effective for its initial light touch, before it turns increasingly tragic.

The Guardian - Film

The whole experience of trying to puzzle my way through this is a reminder of the extent to which cable services and the way they are structured and priced are still stuck in the 1990s.

The Guardian - Money

In remarks which came as music to the ears of the no camp, the governor warned that the eurozone crisis had served as stark example of the risks of setting up a poorly structured currency union: a strong currency union would weaken its members' independence.

The Guardian

Week 8: Dramatic Structure - Wednesday 11 November Feature films are developed using a three act model; television drama is structured in four acts – if only to make room for commercials.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Almost nobody outside Enron was aware of the terms of the deal with this "structured-finance vehicle", which turned out to be just one of many off-balance-sheet devices.

The Economist

Joseph Berardino, Andersen's chief executive, admitted to Congress last month that his firm made an "error of judgment" over one of the structured-finance vehicles.

The Economist

Some might point to the collapse of Long-Term Capital Management (LTCM) in 1998, which made markets wobble for a few weeks, or to the problems that two structured-credit funds caused Bear Stearns in 2007-08.

The Economist

First, they had pushed much of their lending business off-balance-sheet, so that loans were bought by specialist entities like structured-investment vehicles (SIVs) and conduits.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing processes or systems, use "structured" to emphasize a deliberate and planned arrangement. For example, a "structured" approach to project management ensures clear milestones and accountability.

Common error

Avoid using "structured" as a generic descriptor. Instead, provide specific details about the structure itself. For example, instead of saying "a structured document", specify the document's sections and organization.

Linguistic Context

The word "structured" primarily functions as an adjective, describing something that has been arranged or organized in a specific way. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates that something has been deliberately organized or arranged in a particular manner, such as rules, systems, or plans.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "structured" functions primarily as an adjective, denoting something arranged or organized in a specific manner. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its proper usage implies a deliberate and intentional arrangement. Found frequently in contexts like News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science, the term maintains a neutral register. For enhanced clarity, it's best to avoid overusing "structured" without providing specific details about the arrangement itself. Alternatives such as "organized", "systematic", and "methodical" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. When using "structured", emphasize the deliberate organization to ensure clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

organized

This alternative emphasizes the systematic arrangement and orderliness.

well-organized

This alternative highlights a high degree of order and efficiency.

systematic

This alternative focuses on adherence to a defined system or method.

methodical

This alternative suggests a careful and precise approach.

orderly

This alternative emphasizes neatness and the absence of chaos.

arranged

This alternative simply indicates that things have been placed in a particular order.

planned

This alternative suggests that forethought and intention were involved in the arrangement.

formalized

This alternative implies the arrangement has been officially recognized or established.

regulated

This alternative conveys arrangement that is controlled by rules or laws.

designed

This alternative indicates that something has been intentionally created for a purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "structured" in a sentence?

You can use "structured" to describe something organized or arranged in a specific way. For example: "The course provides a "structured learning environment"" or "The data is stored in a "structured database"".

What is an alternative to using "structured"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "structured" include "organized", "systematic", "methodical", or "arranged".

What's the difference between "structured" and "organized"?

"Structured" implies a more rigid and pre-defined arrangement, while "organized" suggests a more general state of order. A "structured" approach might involve specific steps and protocols, whereas an "organized" approach focuses on overall efficiency.

When is it appropriate to use "structured" in formal writing?

Use "structured" in formal writing when describing systems, processes, or documents with clear and deliberate organization. For instance, you might discuss a "structured" financial model or a "structured" research methodology.