subservient positions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subservient positions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe roles or statuses that are subordinate or submissive in nature, often in a social or professional context. Example: "Throughout history, many individuals have been forced into subservient positions, limiting their opportunities for advancement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The employees most likely to use a friendly greeting were women not in positions of authority, followed by men in subservient positions.

The New Yorker

Are the people in question to remain in subservient positions abroad (to provide people with cheaper groceries) or eke out a living in their homelands further adding to the disparity between the rich and powerful and the poor and powerless?

University of California, Berkeley

The hero and the heroine (not Eugenia) write their way out of their poverty and subservient positions in the household, and this happy development puts the reader wistfully in mind of the immense appetite for the written word evinced by the Victorians and, still, by A. S. Byatt.

The New Yorker

McDaniel, like many black women before and after her, was forced into these subservient positions in order to survive.

Huffington Post

Traditional and religious notions that place women in subservient positions within families are still widely enforced and they dictate the hierarchy in domestic affairs.

HuffPost

Chauvinistic attitudes, which for so long in Tibet had reserved the heights of spiritual endeavor for monks and relegated nuns to subservient positions, continued to prevail in monastic communities in exile.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"He was in a subservient position with the lantern.

The New York Times

The secret committees in Congress that the administration and the intelligence agencies portray as a check on the NSA are in a similarly subservient position.

The Guardian

One story, unused, from my notebook: Rajkala Kanwar married into her husband's family, from the conservative Jat caste in the farming state of Haryana, understanding that she would occupy a subservient position.

The New York Times

Laura doesn't love it that Nick spends more time with Tony than he does with her, and she really doesn't love it that Nick seems to be supporting Tony's subservient position to an American president named George.

The New York Times

One ominous result was that colonists now began to believe that the British were developing a long-term plan to reduce the colonies to a subservient position, which they were soon calling "slavery".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing social hierarchies or power dynamics, use "subservient positions" to accurately describe roles lacking authority or autonomy. Be mindful of the implications of the term and ensure sensitivity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "subservient positions" when describing roles that simply involve teamwork or collaboration. The term implies a power imbalance and should only be used when that imbalance is a core aspect of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subservient positions" functions as a noun phrase, where "subservient" is an adjective modifying the noun "positions". It describes roles or statuses that are subordinate, lower in rank, or under the control of others. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "subservient positions" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes roles or statuses lacking authority and being under the control of others. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not extremely common, it's used in various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and encyclopedic writing to discuss hierarchical relationships and power dynamics. When using this phrase, it's essential to be mindful of its connotations and ensure accurate and sensitive application. Related phrases such as "subordinate roles" or "inferior ranks" can offer alternative ways to express similar meanings, but they may carry slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subordinate roles

Focuses on the functional aspect of being lower in a hierarchy.

inferior ranks

Emphasizes a lower standing in terms of status or quality.

lower echelons

Implies a position further down in an organization or structure.

dependent statuses

Highlights the reliance on others for support or control.

secondary positions

Focuses on the supportive or less important nature of the role.

lower-level jobs

Specifically refers to employment roles with less responsibility.

lesser positions

A more general term for positions of lower importance or authority.

underling roles

Emphasizes a lack of power and authority, often with a negative connotation.

auxiliary roles

Focuses on the role of providing assistance or support.

controlled statuses

Highlights a lack of autonomy and being subjected to external control.

FAQs

How can I use "subservient positions" in a sentence?

"Subservient positions" can be used to describe roles where individuals have limited authority or are under the control of others. For example, "Throughout history, women were often relegated to "subservient positions" in society".

What are some alternatives to "subservient positions"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "subordinate roles", "inferior ranks", or "lower echelons" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "subservient positions" in formal writing?

Yes, "subservient positions" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing a hierarchical relationship. However, be mindful of the connotations and ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing.

What is the difference between "subservient positions" and "support roles"?

"Subservient positions" imply a power imbalance and a lack of autonomy, while "support roles" simply indicate a role focused on assisting others. The key difference lies in the presence or absence of a hierarchical power dynamic.