What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hierarchy
Example
The company's hierarchy was clearly defined, with the CEO at the top and the interns at the bottom. [hierarchy: noun]
Example
The military operates on a strict hierarchy, with officers giving orders to soldiers. [hierarchy: noun]
order
Example
Please put the books in alphabetical order. [order: noun]
Example
The police were called to restore order after the riot broke out. [order: noun]
Example
The teacher gave the students a set of instructions to follow in order to complete the project. [order: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Order is more commonly used than hierarchy in everyday language. Order is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while hierarchy is more specific and tends to be used in formal or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hierarchy and order?
Hierarchy is typically associated with a formal and structured tone, while order can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
