Literary authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Literary authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person or entity that has recognized expertise or influence in the field of literature. Example: "As a literary authority, she has published numerous works that have shaped contemporary literary criticism."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

During those years he became the greatest living literary authority in Germany after J.W. von Goethe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Like many modernist poets, Adonis borrows literary authority from the tradition he declares obsolete.

The New Yorker

The Observer's 1966 review (below) discusses Plath's literary authority and "unwinking intelligence".

The Guardian

No previous edition combines such a sweep of historical and cultural contexts with the literary authority that Samet, obsessed with Grant for decades, brings to the table.

Stanford University

This championing and demonizing of writers occurred in the name of anti-Communism--the new, transatlantic "civilizing mission" through which postwar cultural and literary authority emerged.

Princeton University

And, as the translators of the King James Version knew, the authority of the Bible is inseparable from its literary authority.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Mr. Senber has six literary authorities to back up "Shoemakers".

The New Yorker

At the end of the war, Fallada was embraced by the new East German literary authorities.

The Guardian - Books

The issue was ultimately smoothed over, but it alerted the literary authorities that they could push the usually low-key Mr. Voznesensky only so far.

The New York Times - Books

Some of the words in the poem, literary authorities pointed out, were not even in use at the time it was supposedly written.

The Washington Post

Already in the 8th century, literary authorities such as ʿAbd al-Ḥamīd ibn Yaḥyā al-ʿĀmirī pointed to the unparalleled eloquence of ʿAlī's sermons and sayings, as did al-Jāḥiẓ, an Arab man of letters, in the following century.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "literary authority" when you want to emphasize the recognized expertise or influence a person or work possesses within the field of literature.

Common error

Avoid using "literary authority" to imply dictatorial control over literature. Authority signifies expertise and influence, not censorship or suppression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "literary authority" functions as a noun phrase that identifies someone or something possessing recognized expertise, influence, or power within the realm of literature. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. Examples show its use in describing critics, writers, and works considered influential.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "literary authority" is a grammatically sound and usable noun phrase denoting recognized expertise and influence in the literary field. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. While not exceedingly common, it appears frequently in academic, news, and encyclopedic contexts. When using the term, ensure that you are emphasizing expertise and influence, not dictatorial control. Consider alternative phrases like "literary expertise" or "authority in literature" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Literary expertise

Focuses on the skill and knowledge within literature.

Literary influence

Highlights the power to affect literary trends and writers.

Literary standing

Emphasizes reputation and position within the literary community.

Literary credibility

Stresses the trustworthiness and reliability of a literary figure or work.

Literary reputation

Highlights the public perception and renown of a writer or critic.

Authority in literature

Reverses the word order while retaining the core meaning.

Recognized literary voice

Emphasizes the distinct and respected perspective of a writer.

Leading literary figure

Indicates a prominent and influential person in the literary world.

Esteemed literary critic

Highlights the respect and value placed on a critic's opinion.

Literary master

Implies exceptional skill and achievement in the field of literature.

FAQs

How can I use "literary authority" in a sentence?

You can use "literary authority" to describe someone with recognized expertise in literature. For example: "The professor is a "literary authority" on 19th-century novels."

What's a good alternative to "literary authority"?

Alternatives include "literary expertise", "literary influence", or "authority in literature", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is "literary authority" most appropriate?

The term "literary authority" is suitable in academic discussions, literary criticism, and articles about literature where recognized expertise or influence is being discussed.

Is "literary authority" the same as "literary agency"?

No, "literary authority" refers to expertise in literature, while "literary agency" refers to a company that represents authors.