a powerful authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a powerful authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an individual or organization that has significant influence or control over a particular area or subject. Example: "The new regulations were enforced by a powerful authority that oversees environmental protection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

And as lawyer Ron Kuby points out in the documentary Giuliani Time, in a crisis people are looking for a powerful authority figure.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Why does such a powerful authority have to be afraid of a simple symbol of the yellow umbrella?" pro-democracy activist Jason Chao said.

The Guardian

There is even a Resistance, fighting an apparently doomed struggle against a powerful Authority, which is largely played out in the story's background.

The Guardian

That has led to a kind of passivity in many western democracies, where a tradition of seeing oneself as being at the mercy of a powerful authority leads women in EU countries, or nations that have "women's rights officers", to yield the job of female assertion to official, even government, bodies.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the original formation of their character, the authoritarians established the pattern of surrendering to a powerful authority figure.

HuffPost

Or do we want further to abandon a powerful authority to a form of self-monitoring which still does not even begin to operate satisfactorily?

EU Parlament

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

What does that mean if the chief can send someone over to my house in the middle of the night?" There is no way to spin this as being anything other than an intimidation attempt to have a reporter change what they wrote to suit an already powerful authority in a position to extract retaliation all the way up to death.

Huffington Post

The Financial Accounting Standards Board, an obscure but powerful authority that makes the rules for corporate accounting, is about to change that.

The New York Times

Both the president and Congress charged the new agency with a broad scope and powerful authority.

The Washington Post

"A central, organized and powerful authority -- China -- said 'no' and we all have been tested worldwide because of it.

Forbes

Big ticket sales guru, Kevin Nations stated, "Nothing fuels high ticket sales like powerful, authority based lead flows". Authority based lead flows are from sources where you demonstrate your expertise in a certain area.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "a powerful authority", provide context about the source of the power. Is it derived from legal mandate, social standing, economic control, or expertise? Specifying the basis of their power makes your description more vivid.

Common error

Avoid using "a powerful authority" without providing concrete examples or evidence to support your claim. Vague or unsubstantiated assertions can undermine your credibility and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a powerful authority" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an entity that wields significant influence or control, whether formally recognized or informally established. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical structure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a powerful authority" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes an entity with significant control or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is accurate and versatile for describing governing bodies, influential figures, or institutions. Its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for various contexts, especially in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context about the source and scope of the authority to avoid overgeneralizations. Alternatives such as ""a dominant power"" or ""an influential institution"" can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dominant power

Replaces "authority" with "power", emphasizing control and influence.

an influential institution

Substitutes "authority" with "institution", highlighting organizational influence.

a leading expert

Focuses on expertise rather than hierarchical control.

a commanding presence

Emphasizes the imposing nature of the authority.

a potent force

Highlights the strength and effectiveness of the authority.

a recognized leader

Stresses the acknowledgment of the authority's position.

an established organization

Focuses on the established nature and stability of the authority.

a figure of control

Directly addresses the controlling aspect of the authority.

an imposing entity

Emphasizes the formidable nature of the entity.

a respected institution

Highlights the positive regard held for the institution.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a powerful authority" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a powerful authority" in a sentence, ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what holds this authority and the scope of its influence. For example, "The government acted as "a powerful authority" in regulating environmental standards."

What are some alternatives to "a powerful authority"?

Some alternatives to "a powerful authority" include "a dominant power", "an influential institution", or "a leading expert", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "a powerful authority"?

The phrase "a powerful authority" is appropriate in contexts where you want to emphasize the significant control, influence, or expertise of an individual, group, or institution, especially when discussing governance, regulation, or expertise in a field.

What is the difference between "a powerful authority" and "a strong influence"?

"A powerful authority" implies formal control and legitimacy, often associated with institutions or individuals in positions of power. "A strong influence", on the other hand, suggests a persuasive effect that may not necessarily stem from a formal position of control.