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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
subnational entities
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "subnational entities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to political or administrative divisions that exist below the national level, such as states, provinces, or municipalities. Example: "The report highlights the role of subnational entities in implementing climate change policies."
✓ Grammatically correct
Encyclopedias
Academia
News & Media
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
13 human-written examples
Subnational entities, representing peoples aspiring to statehood or to the creation of radically different regimes in their homelands, also complicated the crowded international scene.
Encyclopedias
Such unitary systems contrast markedly with federal systems, in which authority is constitutionally divided between the central government and the governments of relatively autonomous subnational entities.
Encyclopedias
But much modern government policy is made either at the national level, or by subnational entities that are difficult to escape, as when they target immobile assets, such as property rights in land.
News & Media
In this context, glocalization points to increasing transnational interactions among subnational entities from different countries and to contacts among subnational and supranational entities both generally circumventing the national level and undermining the gatekeeper position of national executives.
Encyclopedias
These subnational entities are generally represented at the national level, possibly on an equal footing, in a second chamber of the national legislature (often called the upper house, or senate).
Encyclopedias
Formally incorporating the actions and aspirations of subnational entities into the Paris Agreement makes great sense at a time when many are worried that support for real action might be faltering.
Academia
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
47 human-written examples
It occupies a third of the continent, and is apparently the second largest subnational entity in the world.
News & Media
California Governor Jerry Brown and China's top climate official, National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Vice Chairman Xie Zhenhua, signing a first-of-its-kind agreement on climate change between the NDRC and a subnational entity.
News & Media
Among the World Bank Group's credit enhancement and guarantee products, the IBRD offers policy-based guarantees to cover countries' sovereign default risk, partial credit guarantees to cover the credit risk of a sovereign government or subnational entity, and partial risk guarantees to private projects to cover a government's failure to meet its contractual obligations.
Wiki
Among the autonomous countries that were formed as a result of the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, was the (until then) subnational entity of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, by the official name of "Socialist Republic of Macedonia", the others being Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.
Wiki
There is another line of argument for explaining the stronger involvement of subnational political entities in international activities.
Encyclopedias
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When writing about international agreements or policies, use “subnational entities” to acknowledge the role of regional and local governments in implementing these initiatives.
Common error
Avoid using “subnational entities” interchangeably with "supranational entities". Subnational refers to divisions within a country, while supranational refers to organizations or entities that transcend national boundaries.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "subnational entities" functions as a noun phrase, identifying specific types of organizations or governmental bodies that operate below the national level. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts of diplomacy, constitutional law, and climate action.
Frequent in
Academia
30%
Encyclopedias
20%
News & Media
20%
Less common in
Science
15%
Wiki
10%
Formal & Business
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "subnational entities" accurately describes administrative or political bodies operating within a nation, below the national level. It's grammatically correct and finds use across diverse fields like academia, encyclopedias, and news media. While not extremely common, its usage is consistent, making it a reliable term. Ludwig's analysis shows the phrase is used to highlight the roles and actions of internal divisions in relation to national and international context. Alternatives include "regional authorities" or "local governments", depending on the specific context. A key point to remember is not to confuse "subnational entities" with supranational ones.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
regional authorities
This alternative focuses on the governmental aspect and implies a level of official power within a region.
local governments
This alternative emphasizes the localized aspect of governance and administration.
provincial administrations
This option specifically refers to administrations at the provincial level.
state-level bodies
This alternative highlights bodies operating at the state level within a country.
territorial divisions
This alternative focuses on the geographical and administrative partitioning within a nation.
grassroots organizations
This alternative describes community-based or local-level organizations, but might not always have governmental power.
decentralized units
This choice emphasizes the dispersion of power and authority from a central government.
administrative regions
This refers to areas designated for administrative purposes below the national level.
municipal corporations
This alternative is focused on the urban level, referring to incorporated municipalities.
district-level entities
This option refers to entities that operate within a specific district or locality.
FAQs
How to use "subnational entities" in a sentence?
You can use "subnational entities" to describe governmental bodies below the national level. For example, "The success of the climate accord depends on the commitment of both national governments and their subnational entities".
What's the difference between "subnational entities" and "regional authorities"?
"Subnational entities" is a broader term that includes all administrative divisions below the national level, while "regional authorities" specifically refers to governmental bodies within a region.
What can I say instead of "subnational entities"?
Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "local governments", "provincial administrations", or "state-level bodies".
Why is it important to consider "subnational entities" in policy-making?
"Subnational entities" often have direct control over resources and implementation strategies, making their involvement crucial for the success of national policies and international agreements.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested