a common authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a shared or mutual source of power, control, or expertise in a particular context. Example: "In matters of policy, we often look to a common authority to guide our decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Sometimes deference to a common authority; sometimes fear of adversaries; sometimes common axioms that trump any differences; and sometimes a sentimental "family feeling" that makes people tolerant of eccentricity or even obnoxious behaviour.

The Economist

Another dimension is added at the international level when states are not bound by a common authority and may view restrictions on resource extraction as a threat to their sovereignty.

Britannica

A decentralized web would look much the same way: many points connected not by a common authority, but by a shared intention.

TechCrunch

Starting with the family, each larger unit responsible for facilitating the flourishing of member units and securing common goods beyond their reach without a common authority.

SEP

When people mutually covenant each to the others to obey a common authority, they have established what Hobbes calls "sovereignty by institution".

SEP

With this in mind, the EU established a common authority, known as Single Resolution Board, to deal efficiently with potential bank failures.

European Parliament

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Local control of both authentication and authorization can be facilitated by the use of a common certification authority (such as Verisign™ [ 35] or SAFE-BioPharma™), using a common certificate policy framework consisting of a certificate practice statement and certificate policy, and a registration agent certification process available to each institution participating.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Granted, caselaw would suggest that companies lack common authority to consent to a government search of the contents of communications, such as emails.

The Washington Post

Ideally such a union should comprise a single supervisor, a common resolution authority and joint deposit insurance.

The Economist

It would be a sad day if the home of the common law lost its standing as a common Law authority".

The Guardian - Opinion

It would be a sad day if the home of the common law lost its standing as a common law authority".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a common authority" when you want to emphasize the shared or mutual nature of a governing body or set of rules.

Common error

Avoid using "a common authority" if the power or control is not genuinely shared or recognized by all parties involved. Be sure that there is a consensus, otherwise, a different expression should be used.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common authority" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, referring to a shared or mutual source of power, control, or expertise. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a common authority" is grammatically correct and used to denote a shared or mutual source of power or control. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly usable in English. While its frequency is classified as uncommon, it appears in a variety of contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. When using the phrase, clarity is key: ensure the scope and nature of the authority are well-defined. Related phrases include "a shared jurisdiction" and "a mutual governing body". The most frequent sources for examples of the phrase are The Economist and Britannica.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shared jurisdiction

This alternative focuses on the aspect of shared legal or administrative power.

a mutual governing body

This emphasizes the collaborative aspect of a governing entity.

a collective power structure

Highlights the idea of power being distributed among a group.

a joint regulatory agency

Specifically refers to regulatory bodies that operate together.

a unified command

This alternative implies a single, cohesive leadership.

a collaborative administration

Focuses on the cooperative nature of the administrative body.

a consensual decision-making process

Emphasizes agreement and consent in the decision-making.

a united front

Implies a group working together with a shared purpose and authority.

a centralized power

Focuses on a single entity holding the authority.

an agreed-upon protocol

Highlights the formal agreement on rules or procedures.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common authority" to describe situations where multiple entities are subject to the same governing body or set of rules. For instance, "The countries agreed to establish "a common authority" to regulate trade".

What are some alternatives to "a common authority"?

Alternatives include "a shared jurisdiction", "a mutual governing body", or "a unified command", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "a common authority" or "a shared authority"?

Both "a common authority" and "a shared authority" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "Common" emphasizes uniformity, while "shared" highlights the collaborative aspect.

What does it mean when entities are not bound by "a common authority"?

When entities are not bound by "a common authority", it means they operate independently without a central governing body or set of rules binding them. This can lead to conflicts or inefficiencies, as each entity acts according to its own interests.