assertion of authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assertion of authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is claiming or demonstrating their power or control over a situation or group. Example: "The manager's assertion of authority during the meeting left no room for dissent among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Comments shall be limited to the tribe's assertion of authority.

Cornell University

The judgment of beauty carries an assertion of authority: something universal has been found.

The New York Times - Arts

In fact, his expulsion was an assertion of authority by the prime minister, Manuel Valls, over an unruly firebrand who could not resist mocking his own government.

The Economist

"The question in every case is, simply, whether the statutory text forecloses the agency's assertion of authority, or not," he wrote.

The New York Times

"We believe this assertion of authority goes well beyond any authority provided by Congress, and creates uncertainty for the communications industry, innovators, investors and consumers," Mr. Glover added.

The New York Times

As for "who am I to judge," surely the pope is not relinquishing the church's assertion of authority in matters of faith and morals.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

This lack of confidence erupts in anxious assertions of authority.

The New York Times - Arts

The question recurs throughout the first section of the book, and every time it is fraught — as quotidian exchanges so often are — with claims to knowledge, assertions of authority, bids for love.

The New Yorker

The question recurs throughout the first section of the book, and every time it is fraught as quotidian exchanges so often are with claims to knowledge, assertions of authority, bids for love.

The New Yorker

The assertions of authority by this feisty new class of Democratic governors, in interviews and news conferences throughout the day, came at a time of generally depressed spirits in the party.

The New York Times

Whether from Bill Clinton's executive initiatives in the face of Republican control of both houses of Congress, George W. Bush's wartime assertions of authority, or other actions, the power concentrated in the White House has expanded in each Administration since Franklin D. Roosevelt's.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "assertion of authority", ensure the context clearly indicates who is asserting the authority and over whom or what it is being asserted.

Common error

Avoid using "assertion of authority" when the authority in question is questionable or illegitimate, as this can undermine your credibility. Instead, consider using terms like "claim" or "presumption".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assertion of authority" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of claiming or exercising power, control, or dominance. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "assertion of authority" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes the act of claiming or exercising power. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is valid and appears most frequently in news and media, academic writing, and encyclopedias. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates who is asserting the authority and over whom or what. Alternatives include "claim of authority" and "exercise of power". Be mindful not to overstate authority in contexts where it is questionable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Claim of authority

Focuses on the act of declaring or maintaining a right to control.

Exercise of power

Highlights the practical application of authority in a given situation.

Declaration of control

Emphasizes the act of stating one's dominance or command.

Imposition of rule

Suggests a more forceful or unilateral establishment of authority.

Exertion of influence

Implies a more subtle or persuasive form of authority.

Demonstration of command

Highlights the visible or overt display of authority.

Maintenance of control

Focuses on efforts to sustain existing authority.

Enforcement of power

Implies the use of coercive measures to uphold authority.

Establishment of dominance

Focuses on the creation or confirmation of a position of power.

Assumption of power

Suggests taking control, often without explicit consent.

FAQs

How can I use "assertion of authority" in a sentence?

You can use "assertion of authority" to describe situations where someone is claiming or demonstrating their power. For example, "The prime minister's expulsion of the minister was an "assertion of authority"."

What's a more formal way to say "assertion of authority"?

Consider using "exercise of power" or "declaration of control" as more formal alternatives to "assertion of authority" depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "assertion of authority"?

You can use alternatives like "claim of authority", "exercise of power", or "declaration of control" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "assertion of authority" and "claim of authority"?

"Assertion of authority" implies a confident or demonstrable display of power, whereas "claim of authority" simply indicates a declaration or maintenance of a right to control, which might not be backed by demonstrable power.