an authority on

USAGE SUMMARY

"an authority on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to someone who knows a lot about a particular subject. For example, "She is an authority on quantum computing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How did an English rocker become an authority on one of America's bloodiest battles?

The New Yorker

Dr. Meyer is an authority on the disease, one of the few in 1945.

The New Yorker

How exactly does one become an authority on questioning authority?

Huffington Post

I was married for one week and already felt like an authority on the subject.

The New York Times

An Oklahoma native, Ms. Warren is an authority on bankruptcy law and contracts.

The New York Times

& an authority on polymer chemistry.

The New Yorker

University-Bellevue University-Bellevue Medical Centern tropicanddiseanes.

The New Yorker

Louis, and an authority on crime trends.

The New York Times

The bridegroom's mother was an authority on contemporary needlework.

The New York Times

I claim to be an authority on press agents.

The New Yorker

Mr. Bauer is considered an authority on campaign finance law.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an authority on", ensure the subject of their expertise is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "He is an authority", specify "He is an authority on ancient history".

Common error

Avoid using "an authority on" when the individual's knowledge is limited or unproven. Use softer terms like "knowledgeable about" or "familiar with" if the person's expertise isn't firmly established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an authority on" functions as a noun phrase used to describe someone with recognized and significant expertise in a particular subject or field. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, showing the phrase consistently applied to individuals with specialized knowledge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an authority on" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote someone with recognized expertise in a particular subject. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a valid and effective way to position someone as a credible source of information. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news, encyclopedic, and academic contexts. When using the phrase, it is important to clearly define the area of expertise to avoid ambiguity and ensure the individual's knowledge is appropriately represented. Considering related phrases like "a leading expert in" or "a specialist in" can provide alternative ways to express expertise with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a leading expert in

Emphasizes prominence and expertise in a particular field.

has expertise in

Directly states the possession of specialized knowledge.

a specialist in

Highlights focused knowledge and skills in a defined area.

a master of

Suggests exceptional skill and control in a certain domain.

well-versed in

Indicates comprehensive knowledge and understanding.

knowledgeable about

Focuses on possessing a broad understanding of a subject.

proficient in

Highlights competence and skill in a specific area.

adept at

Emphasizes skill and dexterity in performing tasks related to a subject.

is a connoisseur of

Implies refined taste and expert judgment, particularly in arts or culture.

a guru in

Suggests a high level of wisdom and teaching ability within a field.

FAQs

How do I use "an authority on" in a sentence?

Use "an authority on" to describe someone with extensive knowledge in a specific field. For instance, "She is "an authority on" climate change" indicates she has profound expertise in that area.

What are some alternatives to "an authority on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a leading expert in", "a specialist in", or "well-versed in".

Is it appropriate to call someone "an authority on" themselves?

While technically grammatically correct, calling someone ""an authority on" themselves" can sound awkward. It's better to specify the area of expertise, such as "She is an authority on self-care".

How does being "an authority on" something differ from simply being "knowledgeable about" it?

Being ""an authority on"" something implies a higher level of expertise, often recognized by others in the field. "Knowledgeable about" suggests a good understanding, but not necessarily the same depth or recognition.