assumption of authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assumption of authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the act of taking on a position of power or control, often without formal approval. Example: "The manager's assumption of authority during the meeting surprised the team, as they were not informed of any changes in leadership."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The director Elia Kazan suffered under Pinter's unyielding assumption of authority, or eminence.

The New York Times

Even if her screen time was limited, Dench gently recalibrated some of Bond's sexist tropes with her easy assumption of authority.

The Guardian - Books

Maneuvers to prevent his assumption of authority failed, and he was asked to form the first government, which he did on June 23 , 1960

Encyclopedia Britannica

Burkhard Fritz was Parsifal; he was a little stolid in the first act, perhaps, but gained steadily in presence until his assumption of authority in the final scene became utterly authentic.

The Guardian - Music

But while giving an approving nod to the resolution's focus on the future -- "charting a way forward," was the way the United States envoy, John D. Negroponte, put it -- some Council diplomats expressed concerns about endorsing the allies sweeping assumption of authority over crucial aspects of Iraqi life.

The New York Times

The parallels are reinforced by the spectacle of Paul Greenwood's Lord Loam wandering round in his nightshirt and top hat, while Andrew Pollard's Crichton adopts the regal bearing and assumption of authority that suggests what might have happened if Peter Pan ever did grow up.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

His letters also suggest the partial assumption of temporal authority, being termed hukmnamas (loosely, "royal orders").

Encyclopedia Britannica

More vexing is a habit Bissell looks back on, by his mid-30s, with justified suspicion: "the assumption of false authority".

The New York Times - Books

When Mae went to Hollywood, her good humor and bold assumption of sexual authority, coupled with her raunchy aphorisms of Wildean balance, transformed her into one of the world's biggest box-office attractions.

The New York Times

The United States is a committed partner in this endeavor, and it is my honor to propose the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Iraq with permanent missions, effective immediately upon the assumption of sovereign authority by the Iraqi Interim Government.

The New York Times

Bulstrode wields a disapproving moral force in the town of Middlemarch through the exercise of his philanthropic and political power — but he has a guilty secret that undermines his assumption of moral authority, the ultimate exposure of which reveals him to be a hypocrite, and worse.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "assumption of authority" when describing situations where someone takes power or control without explicit permission or established right. It often carries a negative connotation, implying that the action is presumptuous or unwarranted.

Common error

Avoid using "assumption of authority" when describing situations where someone is granted or delegated authority through official channels. The phrase implies taking authority, not receiving it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assumption of authority" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of taking on or seizing power, often without explicit or legitimate authorization. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "assumption of authority" describes the act of taking control, often without legitimate authorization. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides real-world examples demonstrating its usage. Predominantly found in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts, it carries a neutral to formal tone. Related phrases like "seizure of power" and "assuming control" offer nuanced alternatives. When using this phrase, remember it implies an action of taking power, not receiving it through delegation. "Assumption of authority" is a valuable phrase for analyzing and critiquing power dynamics in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assuming control

A more general term for taking charge or responsibility.

assertion of dominance

Highlights the act of confidently declaring one's power or control.

usurpation of authority

Implies an illegitimate or unlawful taking of power.

appropriation of power

Suggests taking power for oneself, sometimes without explicit permission.

establishment of control

Focuses on the creation of control, in general.

seizure of power

Emphasizes the act of forcefully taking control, often in a political context.

taking command

Refers to assuming a leadership role, especially in a military or hierarchical setting.

usurping control

Emphasizes that the control has been illegitimately obtained.

exercise of control

Focuses on the practical application of authority, rather than its initial acquisition.

establishment of dominance

Focuses on creating a position of superiority or influence.

FAQs

How can "assumption of authority" be used in a sentence?

You can use "assumption of authority" to describe a situation where someone takes control or power without being given that power, such as: "His sudden "assumption of authority" surprised everyone."

What's the difference between ""assumption of authority"" and "delegation of authority"?

"Assumption of authority" implies that someone has taken power without being given it, while "delegation of authority" means that someone has been given power to act by someone else.

What are some synonyms for ""assumption of authority""?

Alternatives include phrases like "seizure of power", "usurpation of authority", or simply "assuming control", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is ""assumption of authority"" a positive or negative term?

Generally, ""assumption of authority"" carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the action is presumptuous, illegitimate, or unwarranted. However, sometimes it may also be considered necessary.