assert authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assert authority" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is used to describe a situation in which someone takes strong and confident action to demonstrate their position of power. For example, "The CEO asserted his authority by making a decisive decision on the matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Peace depends on Mr. Campbell's ability to assert authority.

The New York Times - Arts

Deprived of unchallenged American leadership, countries might jostle to assert authority over their own regions.

The Economist

Every president tries to assert authority over the executive branch, with varying degrees of success.

The Washington Post

Gennady Kernes, the mayor of Kharkiv, and another Yanukovych ally, is trying to assert authority.

The Washington Post

"And the deal is, they're willing to help the Colombians to strengthen the state and assert authority".

The New York Times

But in other areas, Mr. Tenet was slower to assert authority, when he did so at all.

The New York Times

That series hinged on the tension of Mainwaring's attempts to assert authority over the polished public schoolboy Wilson.

The Guardian - Opinion

When it is deployed — probably sometime after 2015 — the J-15 will signal the dawn of a new ability by China to assert authority along its coastline.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

has been acquiring & asserting authority.

The New Yorker

Nigel Farage has asserted authority by denouncing Bloom.

The Guardian

During the early years the new administration largely focused on asserting authority over the territory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about leadership or governance, use "assert authority" to convey a proactive stance in establishing or reinforcing control. This phrase is suitable in contexts where legitimacy and acceptance of power are relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "assert authority" when describing actions that are purely forceful or aggressive without a legitimate basis. The phrase implies a justified claim to power, not simply brute force.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assert authority" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where 'assert' is the verb and 'authority' is the direct object. Ludwig examples show how it describes actions taken to establish or reinforce control. It often denotes taking a proactive stance in leadership roles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "assert authority" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of demonstrating power or control. As indicated by Ludwig, it's frequently used in news and media, encyclopedias and science to describe actions taken to establish or reinforce power. While similar phrases like "exercise control" or "exert influence" exist, "assert authority" specifically emphasizes the act of proactively establishing legitimacy and enforcing decisions. Remember to use it when describing actions that have a basis in legitimate power, not simply brute force.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise control

Focuses more on the act of maintaining control rather than initially establishing it.

exert influence

Emphasizes the use of influence, which can be less direct than asserting authority.

establish dominance

Highlights the goal of achieving a dominant position, rather than the act of asserting existing authority.

take command

Suggests a more immediate and forceful assumption of control.

enforce power

Focuses on the enforcement aspect, implying an existing power structure.

lay down the law

Implies a more dictatorial or strict approach to authority.

wield power

Emphasizes the possession and use of power, often in a skillful manner.

dominate proceedings

Specific to controlling a meeting or event, rather than general authority.

maintain control

Focuses on the act of maintaining control rather than initially establishing it.

impose will

Stresses the forceful application of one's desires or decisions.

FAQs

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

You can use "assert authority" to describe actions taken to establish or reinforce control, such as: "The new manager needed to "establish authority" quickly" or "The government moved to "assert authority" over the disputed territory".

What phrases are similar to "assert authority"?

Similar phrases include "exercise control", "exert influence", or "take command". Each carries slightly different connotations regarding the nature and extent of the power being used.

Is it better to "assert authority" or "claim authority"?

While both phrases relate to power, "assert authority" implies actively demonstrating and enforcing control, whereas "claim authority" suggests stating a right to it, which may or may not be effectively enforced. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize action or declaration.

What's the difference between "assert authority" and "exercise authority"?

"Assert authority" often implies an initial or renewed effort to establish control, especially when it's being challenged or is not yet fully recognized. "Exercise authority", on the other hand, suggests the ongoing application of already established power.