authoritative enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "authoritative enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the level of authority or credibility of a source, statement, or individual in a particular context. Example: "The research findings were not authoritative enough to convince the committee to change their decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

She recently worked with a man in line for a chief executive role, helping him to look "authoritative enough" to represent the firm both on TV and to clients.

BBC

He was stocky and broad-shouldered and authoritative enough to be sometimes taken for a doctor.

The New Yorker

Nor are women considered authoritative enough to pass judgment on men's books.

Independent

Unaware that she is Raymond's wife, another set of Gestapo officers listen to her entreaty, which she's just authoritative enough to bring off.

The New York Times

Strategists said they believed that the advertisement made Mr. Schwarzenegger seem authoritative enough to be governor and different enough to bring change.

The New York Times

Supposedly, Google hopes to attract experts to write pages, including competing pages on the same topic, that will become authoritative enough to make them first stops for information, much like Wikipedia is now for a lot of people.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Will McAvoy is handsome, forthright and authoritative, with just enough irascibility and skepticism to seem provocative.

The New York Times

He was calm, authoritative and tidy enough, but generally left Barkley to catch the eye ahead of him.

The Guardian - Sport

Her writing was authoritative and compelling enough to have a reader take action and contact her.

Forbes

Certain aspects of this topic have triggered many questions, but there have never been enough authoritative answers to follow.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

It summarizes the year's progress in fluorescence and its applications, with authoritative reviews specialized enough to be attractive to professional researchers, yet also appealing to the wider audience of scientists in related disciplines of fluorescence.

Springer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "authoritative enough", ensure the context clearly defines the area of authority being discussed. For example, "The source was authoritative enough on climate science, but not on economic policy."

Common error

Avoid using "authoritative enough" when the subject lacks real expertise. Overstating authority can damage credibility. Be sure to provide support if using "authoritative enough" to describe a person or source, showing the expertise that grants the authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "authoritative enough" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing the degree to which something possesses authority. This often implies a qualification or condition related to that authority. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "authoritative enough" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that functions as an adjectival modifier, assessing whether something meets a certain threshold of authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable across different contexts, with examples found in news, academic, and scientific domains. While alternatives like "sufficiently authoritative" exist, the choice depends on the desired level of formality and nuance. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the area of authority and avoid overstating the actual level of expertise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sufficiently authoritative

This alternative uses a more formal adjective to convey the same meaning.

Adequately authoritative

This emphasizes that the level of authority is just meeting the required standard.

Authoritative to a degree

This phrasing softens the statement, implying a partial level of authority.

Reasonably authoritative

This suggests a moderate level of authority, but leaves room for doubt.

Possessing enough authority

This alternative focuses on the attribute of possessing authority, rather than the degree.

Competently authoritative

This emphasizes the skill in wielding authority.

Credible enough

Shifts the focus to credibility instead of direct authority.

Convincing enough

Highlights the ability to persuade through authority.

Officially recognized

Implies a formal endorsement of authority.

Acceptable level of authority

This alternative describes the level of authority without the use of the word "authoritative".

FAQs

How can I use "authoritative enough" in a sentence?

You can use "authoritative enough" to describe something or someone possessing sufficient authority for a specific purpose. For example, "The expert's testimony was "authoritative enough" to sway the jury."

What are some alternatives to "authoritative enough"?

Alternatives include "sufficiently authoritative", "adequately authoritative", or "credible enough", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "authoritative enough" or "sufficiently authoritative"?

Both "authoritative enough" and "sufficiently authoritative" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the desired level of formality; "sufficiently authoritative" is generally more formal.

When should I use "authoritative enough" instead of simply "authoritative"?

Use "authoritative enough" when you want to emphasize that the level of authority is just meeting a certain requirement, rather than being absolute. It implies a threshold has been reached, but not necessarily exceeded.