author

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "author" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a person who creates written works, such as books, articles, or other forms of literature. Example: "The author of the novel received critical acclaim for their unique storytelling style."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"As a result of 25 years of investment," said Doris Meissner, an author of the report who is a senior fellow at the institute, "the bulwark is fundamentally in place".

The New York Times

Richard Locke, a political scientist at M.I.T. who is an expert on global supply chains and the author of the new book "The Promise and Limits of Private Power," told me, "Instead of buying lots of inventory with long lead times, brands wait as long as possible before ordering".

The Economist

The right to use your name and county of residence for the sole purpose of identifying you as the author of your entry and/or as a winner of the Competition.

The Guardian

You own the copyright to your Competition entry as its author.

The Guardian

Writing days before Abdullah's death, the American author Stephen Kinzer warned that the basis of the west's relationship with the Saudi regime was shifting in fundamental ways, while Saudi Arabia's position in a region beset by insurrection and civil war was ever less secure.

The Guardian

He is the author of seven acclaimed plays.

The Guardian

After the success of last year's Save Our Libraries Day events where "Flying Authors" visited every library in Gloucestershire, library users have again organised author visits and activities in many local libraries on Saturday.

The Guardian - Books

Man Booker prize-winning author Hilary Mantel delivered a spirited attack on her critics after the BBC was condemned over plans to broadcast her "mischievous" short story on the imagined assassination of Margaret Thatcher.

The Guardian - Books

Mark Rice-Oxley is international planning editor of the Guardian and author of Underneath the Lemon Tree, a memoir of Depression and Recovery.

The Guardian - Sport

Paul Thomas, a University of Huddersfield professor and the author of studies of Prevent, thinks the list of designated areas will keep growing.

The Guardian

He is a former public servant and author of the book The Rise of the Fifth Estate: Social Media and Blogging in Australian Politics.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "author" when you want to emphasize the creative origin or intellectual property of a work, rather than just the act of writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming authorship without verification. Always double-check the "author" of a work before attributing it to someone.

Linguistic Context

The word "author" functions primarily as a noun, designating the creator of a written work. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples where "author" identifies individuals responsible for books, reports, and articles. The term can also be used as a verb, signifying the act of creating a work.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "author" is a versatile word primarily used as a noun to denote the creator of a written work, but it can also function as a verb meaning to create such a work. It's grammatically correct and very common, as validated by Ludwig AI, appearing frequently in news, formal business and science contexts. While the term is generally neutral in register, it's crucial to attribute authorship accurately and avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives such as "writer", "creator", and "originator" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Writer

A more general term referring to someone who writes, not necessarily books.

Creator

Focuses on the act of creation rather than specifically writing.

Originator

Emphasizes the person who first came up with an idea or work.

Composer

Often used for musical works, but can apply to writing in a broader sense.

Novelist

Specifically refers to someone who writes novels.

Playwright

Specifically refers to someone who writes plays.

Essayist

Specifically refers to someone who writes essays.

Columnist

Specifically refers to someone who writes columns.

Contributor

Refers to someone who contributes to a written work, not necessarily the sole creator.

Scribe

A more archaic term for someone who writes.

FAQs

How is "author" used in a sentence?

You can use "author" to refer to the creator of a written work, as in, "The "author" of the book is well-known." Alternatively, it can be used as a verb, meaning to create a written work.

What can I say instead of "author"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "writer", "creator", or "originator" to refer to the person who created a written work.

Which is correct, "author of the book" or "the book's author"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and widely used. "Author of the book" emphasizes the author's role, while "the book's author" emphasizes the book itself.

What's the difference between "author" and "writer"?

"Author" typically refers to someone who has created a published work, especially a book, while ""writer"" is a more general term for anyone who writes, regardless of publication status.