a position of authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a position of authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a role or job that has power, control, or influence over others. Example: "In her new role as manager, she will be in a position of authority and responsible for making key decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

From such a position of authority, Liverpool wavered.

The Guardian - Sport

Before he held a position of authority, he saw the importance of inclusiveness.

The New York Times - Sports

To him, hacking is almost a sport, played against someone in a position of authority.

The New Yorker

Membership in the poro is necessary for anyone in a position of authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whenever you accept a job, you cede certain rights to those in a position of authority.

The New York Times - Magazine

But even those in a position of authority acknowledge that these moves are, at best, incremental.

The New York Times

Still, at the time, I told no one in a position of authority about the interaction.

Harvard Business Review

Her behaviour is not acceptable, particularly given she is now in a position of authority.

The Guardian - Money

Our default position towards almost anyone in a position of authority is jaded cynicism.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Any woman in a position of authority tends to lower her pitch," she said.

The New Yorker

No one in a position of authority or power is 'untouchable'".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's professional responsibilities, use "a position of authority" to clearly indicate their capacity to make decisions and direct others.

Common error

Avoid using "a position of authority" to imply authoritarian tendencies. Authority refers to legitimate power; authoritarianism suggests oppressive control. Ensure your context reflects the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a position of authority" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It describes a specific role or capacity within a hierarchy or organization. Ludwig AI shows examples across diverse fields, reflecting its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

28%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a position of authority" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a role or job with power and control. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is found in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, academia, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "leadership role" or "influential post" exist, "a position of authority" clearly conveys the capacity to make decisions and direct others. When using the phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects legitimate power rather than authoritarianism. Overall, this phrase is a valuable tool for describing hierarchical structures and individual roles within them.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a position of influence

Focuses solely on the ability to affect others, omitting the direct power implied by "authority".

a position of command

This alternative directly emphasizes the power to command and give orders.

an authoritative role

This alternative emphasizes the role itself as being authoritative, shifting the focus slightly from the position.

an influential post

Highlights the influence associated with the role, rather than direct control.

a leadership position

This highlights the leadership aspect inherent in authority, suggesting guidance and direction.

a powerful office

Suggests a formal setting and a significant degree of power.

a commanding role

Focuses on the aspect of control and the ability to give orders.

a managerial position

This term specifies authority within a management context, implying responsibilities for oversight and coordination.

a supervisory capacity

Emphasizes the act of supervising or overseeing others, highlighting a more hands-on aspect of authority.

a controlling interest

This alternative implies authority through ownership or investment, focusing on control over resources or decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "a position of authority" in a sentence?

You can use "a position of authority" to describe someone's role or job when they have power and control over others. For example: "As a manager, she holds "a position of authority" within the company".

What are some alternatives to "a position of authority"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "leadership role", "influential post", or "commanding role".

Is it correct to say "in authority" instead of "in a position of authority"?

While "in authority" is grammatically correct, "in "a position of authority"" is more specific and emphasizes the formal role or job held by the person.

What is the difference between "authority" and "power"?

"Authority" implies a legitimate right to give commands, while "power" is the ability to influence or control someone, regardless of whether that right exists. Someone in "a position of authority" typically also has power, but power can exist without formal authority.