assert their authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assert their authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where individuals or groups are establishing or reinforcing their power or control over others. Example: "In the meeting, the manager sought to assert their authority by outlining strict new policies for the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Today the nascent insurgent institutions lack the resources to assert their authority.

The New York Times

And in all this, they see an opportunity to assert their authority.

The New York Times

The changes come as regulators seek to assert their authority in light of successive banking scandals.

Independent

Religious credentials bolstered their claim to legitimacy and helped them assert their authority.

The Guardian - Opinion

But United, far from rallying to assert their authority, are reeling.

The Guardian - Sport

That's a corner from which nothing comes, but Ghana are beginning to assert their authority here.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Men were reportedly more assertive during counselling sessions than women, and at home, asserted their authority over women on sexual and reproductive health decisions.

BMC Health Services Research

In our study, men were reported to be generally more assertive during counselling sessions than women, and at home, asserted their authority over women on sexual and reproductive health decisions.

BMC Health Services Research

Before long they asserted their authority to the borders of Fāṭimid Egypt and Byzantine Anatolia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That said, the courts have been asserting their authority over parliament in recent decades.

The Guardian

Bodies claiming to represent minority communities do tend to use perceived threats as a means of asserting their authority.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "assert their authority" when you want to convey a sense of active demonstration or enforcement of power or control. Ensure the context supports this active assertion rather than simply possessing authority.

Common error

Avoid using "assert their authority" when the context implies inherent authority. "Assert" implies a need to actively demonstrate or enforce power, not simply possess it. For example, saying 'The queen asserted her authority by breathing' is incorrect because breathing doesn't demonstrate active power.

Linguistic Context

Assert their authority functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of individuals or groups actively demonstrating their power or control. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "assert their authority" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of actively demonstrating or enforcing one's power or control. Ludwig AI identifies its frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. It's grammatically correct and appropriate for neutral registers, although context dictates its suitability. Related phrases include "establish their dominance" and "exercise their power". When using the phrase, remember that "assert" implies a need to actively demonstrate power, distinguishing it from simply possessing authority. Avoid using it in situations where authority is inherent and unquestioned.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish their control

Focuses on gaining and maintaining control over a situation or group.

establish their dominance

Focuses more on establishing a superior position.

demonstrate their influence

Highlights the ability to affect decisions or actions.

exercise their power

Highlights the active use of existing power.

enforce their rule

Emphasizes the imposition of regulations or laws.

affirm their command

Emphasizes the confident and clear declaration of authority.

show their strength

Focuses on displaying power or resilience.

lay down the law

An idiomatic expression for decisively stating rules or demands.

take command

Focuses on the act of assuming leadership.

exert influence

Highlights the subtle or indirect application of power.

FAQs

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

You can use "assert their authority" to describe actions taken to establish or reinforce power. For instance, "The new manager needed to assert their authority to gain the team's respect."

What's a more formal way to say "assert their authority"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "establish their dominance" or "exercise their power", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "assert their authority" and "have authority"?

"Have authority" implies possessing the right or power, whereas "assert their authority" implies actively demonstrating or enforcing that right or power. One is a state of being, the other is an action.

In what situations is it inappropriate to use "assert their authority"?

Avoid using "assert their authority" in situations where the authority is already well-established and accepted, and there is no need for active demonstration. Also, be cautious when using it in contexts where such assertion could be perceived negatively.