a significant authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone or something that has considerable power, influence, or expertise in a particular area. Example: "The researcher is considered a significant authority in the field of climate science."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was the final resting place of someone whom people in post-Soviet countries call a "thief in law"—a person with significant authority in criminal circles, a.k.a. a mafia boss.

Vice

It was the final resting place of someone who, in post-Soviet countries, people call a "thief in law" – a person with significant authority in criminal circles, AKA a mafia boss.

Vice

He said, in testimony before the House Ways and Means Committee in June 1994, I am just saying that we need to be honest about the fact that we are transferring from the United States at a practical level significant authority to a new organization.

Huffington Post

Of two dozen students who entered the two-year master's program in 1992, all but a handful are working professionally in the film business, and roughly half, a surprising percentage, already have significant authority in a business that is notoriously tough to crack.

The New York Times

Finally, if there are extremist factions within security apparatuses, these must be looked into as well because they hold significant authority". Aied Wanget, a Coptic bookstore owner in Minya, said Copts were instrumental is helping oust the Muslim Brotherhood, and he still supports Sisi's fight against terrorism as part of an international coalition.

Los Angeles Times

However, the judge made clear he planned to assign a federal monitor who would have "significant authority" to oversee retraining of deputies, among other changes at the office.

The New York Times

"Moreover, under state law, Bay View has significant authority akin to a governmental body... and so must honor the Constitution as cities and towns do.

Vice

While the Court did not determine what the bare minimum of "significant authority" would be to convert an "employee" to an "official", it appears that such authority could be vested in the many other agency ALJs.

Harvard University

Mr. Bush has called for "a new era" in which he, as president, would "maintain a strong federal environmental role but return significant authority to states and local communities".

The New York Times

b In the Scandinavian country that we studied, midwives are specialist nurses with a significant medical authority.

BMC Health Services Research

People familiar with ADIA management, however, say the sheik, who has worked at ADIA for 10 years, delegates significant authority to Jean-Paul Villain, a publicity-shy French money manager who directs investment strategy and asset allocation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs or more descriptive nouns to enhance the impact of the phrase. For instance, instead of simply stating someone is "a significant authority", describe how they exert their authority or the effects of their influence.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant authority" without specifying the domain or area of expertise. A general statement lacks impact and can be seen as puffery. Instead, provide concrete examples of their influence or accomplishments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant authority" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It identifies someone or something possessing considerable power, influence, or expertise within a given context, as suggested by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant authority" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote someone or something with considerable influence or expertise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable across diverse contexts, although it currently lacks real-world examples to showcase its frequency. When using this phrase, clarity is key: specify the domain in which the authority holds significance to avoid vagueness. Related phrases such as "a major influence" or "a notable expert" can offer nuanced alternatives. The register is generally neutral to formal, making it suitable for professional, news, and academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major influence

Replaces "authority" with "influence", focusing on impact rather than formal power.

a considerable power

Substitutes "authority" with "power", emphasizing control and strength.

a notable expert

Focuses on expertise and knowledge instead of hierarchical authority.

a prominent figure

Highlights visibility and importance within a field or organization.

a leading voice

Emphasizes the role of a person as a spokesperson or advocate.

an important leader

Highlights the leadership aspect, focusing on guidance and direction.

a dominant force

Implies a strong and pervasive influence, suggesting control and impact.

a powerful entity

Generalizes the subject to an organization or collective rather than an individual.

a respected name

Focuses on reputation and esteem rather than direct authority.

a central figure

Highlights the importance of a person in terms of centrality and key relevance.

FAQs

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

Use "a significant authority" to describe someone with considerable power, influence, or expertise in a specific field. For example, "She is "a significant authority" on climate change policy".

What are some alternatives to "a significant authority"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a major influence", "a notable expert", or "a leading voice", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "significant authority" or "considerable authority"?

Both "significant authority" and "considerable authority" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific context, but both are acceptable in formal writing.

In what contexts is "a significant authority" most appropriate?

"A significant authority" is appropriate in contexts where you want to emphasize the importance, influence, or expertise of an individual or entity within a particular domain. This can range from academic and professional settings to discussions of political or social influence.