authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'authority' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to the power to give orders or make decisions, or to refer to a particular expert or organization that is responsible for a certain area of knowledge or activity. For example, "The local authority is responsible for managing waste disposal in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Madmen in authority, who hear voices in the air, are distilling their frenzy from some academic scribbler of a few years back".

The Economist

"He is the outstanding football presenter of his generation, combining great authority from his very distinguished playing career with wonderful broadcasting instincts and sharpness – making him a true star performer".

The Guardian - Sport

Of all the senators who attempted Wednesday to rally support for the doomed Manchin-Toomey background check amendment, Connecticut's Democratic freshman representative, Chris Murphy, probably faced the greatest temptation to borrow the moral authority of the Newtown families.

The Guardian - Opinion

The ruling National Front coalition has been weakened by dissent against Abdullah, who has seen his authority erode rapidly since the March vote.

The Guardian

In the end, it was our child who defied the authority of the court.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We have a moral authority and it should not be misused by dictators for their own aims.

The Guardian

If the security problems posed by the royal visit were, and still are, a major challenge to the Irish state's authority, the presence of the Queen is also a big test of the republican dissidents' resolve.

The Guardian

In recent months, the authority has proposed a floating hotel and a heliport for VVIPs in south Mumbai and is looking for other ways to monetise parts of its £7.7bn property.

The Guardian

The imperious tone of that last sentence is the key to the strangely subtle balance of generosity and authority that has enabled Busby to make such a huge contribution to British football.

The Guardian - Sport

But it might not actually be that I want your knowledge: I want whoever is the best authority on this to help me, and Evernote theoretically knows that, and could figure out who knows the most about the thing that I'm writing and automatically get access to those people's knowledge".

The Guardian - Tech

Refusing to adopt the traditional role of editor as de haut en bas authority, Hamilton has achieved something that feels not unlike a crowdsourced anthology.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "authority", be specific about the type of authority you are referencing (e.g., legal, moral, expert) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "authority" when you actually mean "authoritarianism". "Authority" implies legitimate power, while "authoritarianism" suggests oppressive or dictatorial control.

Linguistic Context

The noun "authority" functions primarily to denote power, control, or expertise. Ludwig AI confirms its valid usage in English. The word can refer to the power to enforce rules, a reliable source of information, or a governing body.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "authority" is a versatile noun used to denote power, expertise, or control. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, especially in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. To ensure clarity, specify the type of "authority" referenced. Be mindful of potential confusion with "authoritarianism", which implies a more oppressive form of control. Consider synonyms like "power" or "jurisdiction" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

power

Emphasizes the ability to control or influence others.

jurisdiction

Focuses on the legal right to apply laws or judgments.

control

Highlights the act of managing or directing something.

influence

Suggests the capacity to affect someone or something without direct command.

dominion

Implies supreme or sovereign control.

command

Stresses the act of giving orders or directives.

authorization

Highlights the permission or right to do something.

license

Focuses on a formal permission to engage in a specific activity.

right

Emphasizes a moral or legal entitlement.

mandate

Suggests a clear instruction or command from an electorate or higher authority.

FAQs

How can I use "authority" in a sentence?

You can use "authority" to refer to the power to enforce rules, a source of reliable information, or a government agency. For example, "The police have the authority to make arrests" or "She is an authority on ancient history".

What are some synonyms for "authority"?

Alternatives to "authority" include "power", "control", "influence", and "jurisdiction" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "authorities"?

Yes, "authorities" is the plural form of "authority" and is used to refer to multiple individuals or groups in positions of power or control. For example, "The local authorities are investigating the incident".

What is the difference between "authority" and "power"?

"Authority" implies a legitimate right to exercise power, often based on law or recognized position, whereas "power" is the ability to influence or control, regardless of legitimacy.