absolute authority over

USAGE SUMMARY

"absolute authority over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe situations where someone has complete power and control over something, or is ultimately responsible for something. For example, "The CEO had absolute authority over all decisions made in the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

The family head had absolute authority over the family.

Columbia University

He holds absolute authority over religious affairs, the armed forces, and national security policy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What gives any society or its leader absolute authority over us?

The New York Times

Religion premises an absolute authority over the self, which trumps everything else.

The Guardian - Opinion

Patriarchy, hypothetical social system in which the father or a male elder has absolute authority over the family group; by extension, one or more men (as in a council) exert absolute authority over the community as a whole.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Parents founding their authority on the word of God should, he says, command absolute authority over their children.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

He boasts near-absolute authority over the nation, which is home to some 1.4 billion people and the world's second-largest economy.

Huffington Post

When Beijing unveiled its new generation of leaders in October, it didn't identify a clear successor to Xi, further elevating his near-absolute authority over the nation of 1.4 billion people.

Huffington Post

When Beijing unveiled its new generation of leaders in October, it didn't identify a clear successor to Xi, further elevating his near-absolute authority over the nation of 1.4 billion people.

HuffPost

Pentecostal Holiness theology, like that of most American fundamentalists today, unabashedly proclaims the inerrancy of the Bible, the absolute authority of husband over wife and the premillennialist doctrine that at the end of the world, Jesus will hurl the unsaved into a lake of fire to suffer endless torture.

The New York Times

The chief characteristic of the Roman family was the patria potestas (paternal power in the form of absolute authority), which the elder father exercised over his children and over his more remote descendants in the male line, whatever their age might be, as well as over those who were brought into the family by adoption a common practice at Rome.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "absolute authority over", ensure the context clearly indicates the scope and limits (if any) of that authority. Overstating the absoluteness can lead to misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "absolute authority over" implies unchecked power. Even in situations with considerable control, there might be implicit or legal constraints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolute authority over" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the extent and scope of power or control. This construction specifies the area or entity over which the authority is exercised, as illustrated by Ludwig AI's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "absolute authority over" is a prepositional phrase indicating complete power or control over something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in diverse contexts, although it's important to be mindful of the specific nuance you want to convey and possible implicit constraints that may exist even where authority appears to be absolute.

As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, this phrase is commonly found in news, academic writing, and encyclopedias, highlighting its versatility. Alternatives like "full authority over" or "supreme authority over" can be used for variety, but it's crucial to consider the subtle differences in meaning. Being aware of common errors, such as assuming that 'absolute' means unlimited power, is also crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outright authority over

Emphasizes the directness and explicitness of the authority.

full authority over

Highlights the completeness of the authority.

total authority over

Stresses the comprehensive nature of the authority.

unlimited authority over

Focuses on the absence of restrictions on the authority.

complete authority over

Similar to 'full authority', it emphasizes the thoroughness of control.

unfettered authority over

Highlights the freedom from constraints in exercising authority.

ultimate authority over

Indicates the highest level of authority, beyond which there is no appeal.

supreme authority over

Emphasizes the superior and highest-ranking nature of the authority.

unconditional authority over

Highlights the absence of conditions or limitations on the authority.

real authority over

Stresses the genuine and practical nature of the authority.

FAQs

How to use "absolute authority over" in a sentence?

You can use "absolute authority over" to describe someone or something that has complete power or control over a specific area or domain. For example, "The CEO has "absolute authority over" all company operations".

What can I say instead of "absolute authority over"?

You can use alternatives like "full authority over", "complete authority over", or "supreme authority over" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "absolute authority over" or "absolute control over"?

Both "absolute authority over" and "absolute control over" are correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "Absolute authority over" implies the right to make decisions, while "absolute control over" suggests the ability to manage and direct something.

What's the difference between "absolute authority over" and "considerable influence over"?

"Absolute authority over" implies complete and final decision-making power. "Considerable influence over", on the other hand, suggests a significant impact without necessarily having the final say.