a single authority

USAGE SUMMARY

"a single authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to a governmental, political, or religious entity that is the sole ruling authority over a certain region or issue. For example: "The citizens of the country were united under a single authority for the first time in decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A single authority could reduce the cost and uncertainty of the current system for developers.

The Economist

In times of emergency the two provinces were often united under a single authority.

Britannica

And ideally all city areas under the governance of a single authority.

The Guardian

Mr. Ochs believed that a single authority should control and direct a newspaper.

The New York Times

In the absence of a single authority or lifestyle paradigm, alternative models and theories can hold more sway.

The Economist

In MANETs for civilian applications, the network nodes may not belong to a single authority and they may not have a common goal.

Computer Networks

Perhaps more pressing, however, is the need to reorganize the US regulatory agencies into a single authority whose ambit is coterminous with the relevant industries.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The other is to resort to command-and-control, with a single authority breaking heads.Either of these approaches might be better than today's squabbling and passivity.

The Economist

"But culture is best when it is robust and decentralized, not when there is a single authority that controls the bulk of every transaction".

The New York Times

California already receives power produced in other states, but Mr. Brown wants to create a single authority that would manage the flow of electrons across the region.

The New York Times

A move to establish a single authority to deal with the water supply in the county, which is now under many local au thorities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex systems or organizations, clarify the scope and responsibilities of the "a single authority" to avoid ambiguity. Specify what aspects are governed by this authority and what remains decentralized.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a single authority" implies absolute control or uniformity. Even within centralized systems, there can be internal divisions, delegated powers, or informal networks that influence decision-making. Acknowledge these nuances for a more accurate representation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single authority" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where this phrase denotes a centralized entity responsible for control, regulation, or governance, as illustrated in several examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

24%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

12%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single authority" is a frequently used noun phrase that signifies a centralized entity with control or governing power. Ludwig's analysis shows it's grammatically correct and commonly appears in news, academic, and encyclopedic sources. While it can offer benefits like efficiency, its effectiveness depends on the specific context. Be mindful of the scope and potential limitations when using this phrase, as overgeneralizing its reach can lead to inaccuracies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unified command

Focuses on the command aspect of a single authority, often in military or organizational contexts.

a central governing body

Emphasizes the governing aspect, highlighting the role of a single entity in making decisions and enforcing rules.

a sole governing power

Similar to the central governing body with specific focus on power attribute

a centralized administration

Highlights the administrative functions consolidated under one entity.

one controlling entity

Focuses on the act of controlling.

a supreme leader

Implies a singular individual at the apex of authority, often in political or autocratic systems.

a single regulatory agency

Refers specifically to a unified body responsible for overseeing and enforcing regulations.

a monolithic organization

Suggests a large, unified structure with a single, often inflexible, authority.

an overarching institution

Implies a higher level entity with superior control and supervision.

a consolidated power structure

Denotes power that has been combined and concentrated into a single framework.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single authority" to describe situations where power or control is centralized. For example, "The goal was to consolidate all regulatory functions under "a single authority" to improve efficiency".

What are some alternatives to "a single authority"?

Alternatives include "a unified command", "a central governing body", or "a sole governing power", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always beneficial to have "a single authority"?

Not necessarily. While "a single authority" can streamline processes and ensure consistency, it can also lead to a lack of flexibility, innovation, or responsiveness to diverse needs. The effectiveness depends on the specific context and the nature of the authority itself.

What's the difference between "a single authority" and "multiple authorities"?

"A single authority" implies centralized control and decision-making, while "multiple authorities" suggests a decentralized system with distributed power and shared responsibilities. The choice between the two depends on the desired balance between efficiency, accountability, and adaptability.