assumed authority

USAGE SUMMARY

"assumed authority" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to take on or adopt a position of authority without being officially or explicitly granted that authority. Example: The new manager was known for her assumed authority, as she often made decisions without consulting her team members.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Radek's Washington office assumed authority and allowed witnesses to skip the country.

The New York Times

The Palestinian Authority, with its own deep-seated problems, had assumed authority over most of the Palestinian population.

The New York Times

"In particular, the United Kingdom assumed authority and responsibility for the maintenance of security in south-east Iraq.

The Guardian

The central bank assumed authority over eurozone banks in 2014 as part of changes intended to prevent banking crises like that of 2008.

The New York Times

When Quṭb al-Dīn Aybak assumed authority over the Ghūrid possessions in India, he moved from the neighbourhood of Delhi to Lahore.

Britannica

Shortly after Klemp assumed authority, religious studies scholar David Christopher Lane charged that Twitchell had falsified much of his account of the origin of ECK.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

With anyone who assumes authority over you".

The Guardian

With her firm opinions and her ramrod posture, Apollonia assumes authority easily.

The New Yorker

After the plane crashes, there are no adult survivors to assume authority.

The New York Times

When something menacing appears, our higher reasoning centers are inhibited and our reptilian brains assume authority.

Harvard Business Review

"June 30 will not be some magical date when Iraqis suddenly assume authority," said Dan Senor, an American adviser.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "assumed authority" when you want to convey that someone has taken control or power without explicit permission or formal authorization. It's useful for describing situations where the legitimacy of the authority is questionable or implicit.

Common error

Avoid using "assumed authority" when the power or control is officially granted or delegated. In such cases, phrases like "took office" or "was appointed" are more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assumed authority" functions as a verb phrase often followed by a prepositional phrase describing the scope or area of authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, indicating its accepted role in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "assumed authority" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes the act of taking control or power without explicit permission. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the provided examples from sources like The New York Times and Britannica highlight its diverse usage across news, encyclopedias, and other contexts. While alternatives such as "seized control" or "took charge" exist, they carry slightly different connotations. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of taking authority without it being officially granted. Therefore avoid confusing it with situations where power is officially delegated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presumed authority

This alternative highlights the assumption aspect and the lack of legitimate basis for the authority, similar to "assumed authority" but more emphatic.

seized control

This alternative suggests a more forceful and immediate takeover of power than "assumed authority".

assumed command

This implies taking a position of leadership, especially in a structured organization.

took charge

This phrase implies taking responsibility and leadership, which is a less formal and potentially broader concept than "assumed authority".

took command

Similar to "took charge", but often used in more formal or military contexts.

usurped power

This suggests illegitimately taking power, often with negative connotations, which isn't always present in "assumed authority".

appropriated power

Suggests taking power for oneself, often without permission or justification, and is closely related to "usurped power".

asserted dominance

This phrase implies a more aggressive and overt display of power compared to the more subtle implication of "assumed authority".

laid claim to power

This alternative indicates a declaration or attempt to establish authority, while "assumed authority" suggests already acting with that power.

exercised control

Focuses on the act of using power rather than the act of obtaining it.

FAQs

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

You can use "assumed authority" to describe situations where someone takes control without explicit permission. For example, "The interim manager "assumed authority" and began implementing changes immediately".

What's the difference between ""assumed authority"" and "usurped power"?

"Assumed authority" implies taking control without necessarily implying illegitimacy, while "usurped power" strongly suggests that the power was taken unlawfully or illegitimately.

What are some alternatives to ""assumed authority""?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "seized control", "took charge", or "presumed authority".

Is it correct to say someone "assumed authority"?

Yes, "assumed authority" is a correct and commonly used phrase. It describes the act of taking on or adopting a position of authority, whether rightfully or not.