supervise subordinates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "supervise subordinates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person in a managerial position overseeing the work of people who are at a lower level than them. For example: "The team manager was responsible for overseeing the work of their subordinates and ensuring that tasks were completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Several months later, the S.E.C. launched a separate case against Cohen personally, charging him with "failure to supervise" subordinates, and alleging that he received "highly suspicious information that should have caused any reasonable hedge-fund manager . . . to take prompt action".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Today's approach, rather than advancing this goal, would diminish the incentive for law enforcement agencies to train and supervise subordinate officers.

Cornell University

The organization is a simple one the owner does everything and directly supervises subordinates, who should be of at least average competence.

Harvard Business Review

Those officers accused so far, he said, were cited for offenses ranging from improperly classifying 911 calls to inadequately supervising subordinates to sending home police officers just as the attacks in the park were reaching a frenzied pace.

The New York Times

Many of the practical problems that participants wrestled with during the course--gender and family issues, team building, supervising subordinates, leadership techniques--will arise wherever a postdoc works.

Science Magazine

Twenty-nine percent of the participants identified as college students; 25% identified as middle-age adults; 10% identified as parents of elementary-school children; 9% identified as middle-age adults whose work responsibilities include supervising subordinates; 2% identified as teachers of elementary school children; and 38% identified as having none of these life roles.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

"The investigation reveals at a minimum that Sergeant Hadid has failed to supervise his subordinates," David Cohen wrote in a memo.

The New Yorker

According to people briefed on the case, it will contend that Mr. Quattrone failed to supervise his subordinates.

The New York Times

"There is an affirmative obligation of supervisors to supervise their subordinates, but not a hint of that here," Duke University law professor James Cox said, referring to the SEC's recent cases against broker-dealer units of the top banks.

Huffington Post

They communicate with and supervise their subordinates, cooperate and coordinate with other organizations in the area, monitor work plans and financial plans and give advice to subordinates [ 37].

BMC Family Practice

The officers are accused of a variety of offenses: failing to properly classify 911 calls, inadequately supervising their subordinates, dismissing officers too early in the day, and in two cases, not helping victims when they reported the crimes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "supervise subordinates", ensure that job descriptions clearly outline the responsibilities and authority of the supervisor, including performance management and professional development.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity about the extent of the supervisor's power. Be specific about what 'supervise' entails to prevent misunderstandings about performance reviews or disciplinary actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "supervise subordinates" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of overseeing and directing individuals in a lower hierarchical position. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in describing managerial responsibilities and potential failures in supervision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "supervise subordinates" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the act of overseeing and managing individuals who report to a higher authority. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, including news media, academia, and business. The phrase is professional in register and conveys the responsibility of managers to guide, direct, and ensure the performance of their team members. Related phrases such as "manage direct reports" and "oversee staff" offer alternative ways to express similar supervisory roles. When using this phrase, clarify the responsibilities to avoid ambiguity about performance expectations. Overall, "supervise subordinates" is a reliable and essential term for describing managerial functions within organizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manage direct reports

Focuses on the managerial aspect of overseeing employees who report directly to the manager.

oversee staff

Emphasizes the broader responsibility of ensuring that staff members are performing their duties effectively.

direct the team

Highlights the leadership role in guiding a team towards a common goal.

lead subordinates

Stresses the leadership quality in guiding and influencing those in lower positions.

guide team members

Focuses on providing guidance and support to individuals within a team.

mentor junior staff

Highlights the role of providing mentorship and guidance to less experienced employees.

oversee junior employees

Specifies the oversight of employees with less experience.

manage junior staff

Highlights the managerial aspect of overseeing junior staff.

conduct personnel oversight

Focuses on ensuring proper conduct from staff.

oversee the workforce

Describes the general management of all employees in a given organization or department.

FAQs

How can I use "supervise subordinates" in a sentence?

You can use "supervise subordinates" to describe a manager's role in overseeing their team, such as: "The project manager is responsible to supervise subordinates and ensure project deadlines are met."

What are some alternatives to "supervise subordinates"?

Alternatives include "manage direct reports", "oversee staff", or "direct the team".

What does it mean to "supervise subordinates"?

To "supervise subordinates" means to oversee the work and performance of employees who report directly to a supervisor, ensuring they meet expectations and adhere to company policies.

What are the key responsibilities when you "supervise subordinates"?

Key responsibilities include delegating tasks, providing guidance and feedback, conducting performance reviews, and ensuring a productive and positive work environment.