a serious authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is considered to have significant expertise or power in a particular area. Example: "The committee consulted a serious authority on climate change to ensure their recommendations were based on sound science."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The ability to ban candidates is a serious authority that must be exercised openly, judiciously and rarely.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Francesca Zoutewelle as Cinderella becomes a power-dressing princess with serious authority which gives way to a proper empathy by the end.

Independent

A religious student, too young to be accepted as a serious religious authority, he has used the latent power of his militia to gain a voice in Shiite politics matched only by Ayatollah Sistani, who is in his 60's and is said to view Mr. Sadr with an intense personal distaste.

The New York Times

"If people from across the country, Joe and Jane Regular, everyday citizens, say 'this is important, we're going to send 5, 10 or $20 to this thing,' it gives it serious, serious authority from the public, it gives a serious engaged representation and legitimacy that will make it worthwhile". .

Vice

It was also the first time that my mind opened up to the comprehensiveness of the media jihad highlighting its serious authority and impact upon the world.

The New York Times

He clearly shares the view of "every serious authority on international law" that British military operations in Iraq in 2003 were unlawful.

The Guardian

Corbett praised Barker's skill at playing serious authority figures saying absurd things, using Barker's verbal dexterity and energetic performances.

Wikipedia

Yet on the inside the country remains dangerously close to a serious breakdown of authority.

The New York Times

This Bond is angry, has a serious problem with authority and brings to the table a brutal violence, A. O. Scott writes.

The New York Times

But I do argue in that book that these new forms of 'outsider journalism' when combined with the best of mainstream news media and when they exploit the power of new digital networks, create a communications power that is a serious challenge to authority.

The Guardian

All seven people on the boat wore lifejackets, but the water was 53F (11C), posing a serious hypothermia risk, authorities said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious authority", ensure the context clearly establishes the specific area of expertise or domain where the authority holds weight.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious authority" when the individual or source is merely well-known but lacks recognized expertise or evidence-based knowledge in the field. Instead, opt for phrases like "a well-known figure" or "a prominent voice".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious authority" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object. It describes someone or something possessing significant expertise and influence in a specific domain. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious authority" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a person or entity with significant expertise and influence. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the specific domain of authority. Alternatives such as ""a respected expert"" or ""an established authority"" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an established authority

Indicates that the authority has been recognized for a long time.

a respected expert

Highlights the respect and recognition the expert receives.

a credible source

Highlights the reliability and trustworthiness of the source's information.

an influential expert

Focuses on the expert's influence rather than their general authority.

a renowned expert

Highlights the expert's fame and widespread recognition.

a leading figure

Emphasizes the person's prominence and leadership in a field.

a seasoned professional

Emphasizes the professional's experience and expertise.

a powerful voice

Focuses on the significant influence and impact of the individual's opinions.

a prominent voice

Focuses on the person's ability to influence through their opinions and statements.

a knowledgeable person

Focuses on the extensive knowledge the person possesses.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious authority" to describe someone or something recognized for their expertise and influence. For example, "The committee consulted "a serious authority" on climate change to ensure their recommendations were based on sound science."

What are some alternatives to "a serious authority"?

Alternatives include "a respected expert", "an established authority", or "a leading figure", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to describe someone as "a serious authority"?

It's appropriate when the person or entity has demonstrable expertise, influence, and credibility in a specific field, supported by evidence and recognition from peers.

Is there a difference between "a serious authority" and "an established authority"?

"An established authority" implies a long history of recognition and expertise, while ""a serious authority"" focuses more on the weight and importance of their current influence and knowledge, regardless of how long they have been recognized.