a specific mandate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific mandate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a clearly defined instruction or authority given to someone or a group to carry out a particular task. Example: "The committee was given a specific mandate to improve community engagement within the next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

He set his group up with a specific mandate.

The New York Times

America's Library of Congress enjoys a specific mandate, and budget, to save the web.

The Economist

He may have hoped that a specific mandate for extracting a better deal from the EU would bolster his claim.

The Guardian - Opinion

The sustainable development goals – ambitions covering all countries, rich and poor alike, that were agreed at the UN in 2015 – have a specific mandate for peace.

The Guardian

It is both patronising and absurd that councils can only act on a local issue if they have a specific mandate to do so.

The Guardian - Opinion

As well as managing the wealth of the country's vast natural resources, Samruk has a specific mandate to attract investment and drive modernisation within Kazakhstan.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

We have a very specific mandate for change that the people want.

The New York Times

Says Junger, "We had a very specific mandate that we'd given ourselves, to bring the experience of being a soldier to viewers.

Huffington Post

And we had a very specific mandate that we'd given ourselves, to bring the experience of being a soldier to viewers.

Huffington Post

In many institutions, the artist-in-residence program is run out of the museum's education department with a very specific mandate to develop and complete projects with school-age children, and there may be no studio or materials for the artists or opportunities for them to exhibit their own work.

Huffington Post

The World Bank also has an additional, specific mandate to reduce global poverty.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specific mandate", ensure the context clearly defines who issued the mandate and what actions it covers. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific mandate" when the assigned task is broad or undefined. This term is best suited for situations where the instructions or authority are clearly delineated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific mandate" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It designates a particular instruction, order, or commission that someone has been directed to carry out. Ludwig's examples show how the phrase indicates a defined area of responsibility or authority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific mandate" is a noun phrase used to describe a clearly defined instruction or authority given to someone to perform a particular task. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various domains such as news, science, and business. While alternatives like "a clear directive" or "a defined mission" exist, the choice depends on the specific context. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly outlines who issued the mandate and the specific actions it covers to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear directive

Emphasizes the clarity and directness of the instruction, rather than the authorization aspect.

a defined mission

Highlights the purpose and goals to be achieved, focusing on the task itself.

a set task

Implies a precise assignment with a clear end point.

a particular authorization

Focuses on the formal permission granted for a specific action.

a precise instruction

Emphasizes the detail and exactness of the command.

a dedicated role

Highlights the commitment and focus assigned to a particular function.

a designated function

Focuses on the formal assignment of a specific duty or activity.

a tailored responsibility

Implies that the duties have been adapted or customized for a certain context.

a special allowance

Suggests there is an exception to the rule and that permission was granted.

an explicit charge

Highlights an unambiguous assignment of duty or task.

FAQs

How can I use "a specific mandate" in a sentence?

Use "a specific mandate" to describe a clearly defined instruction or authority given to someone or a group to carry out a task. For example: "The committee was given "a specific mandate" to improve community engagement."

What are some alternatives to "a specific mandate"?

Alternatives include "a clear directive", "a defined mission", or "a set task" depending on the context.

What does it mean to have "a specific mandate"?

To have "a specific mandate" means being given clear instructions and authority to perform a particular action or fulfill a specific role. It implies a well-defined scope of responsibility.

Is it appropriate to use "a specific mandate" in informal writing?

While generally suitable for formal contexts, using "a specific mandate" in informal writing might sound overly formal. Consider simpler alternatives like "a clear task" or "a set job depending on your audience and the desired tone".