authority figures

USAGE SUMMARY

'authority figures' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to people who have some kind of power or authority over others, for example: "Many people are influenced by authority figures when making decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We don't worship authority figures anymore.

The New Yorker

"We're benign authority figures," Ms. Ruthman said.

The New York Times - Travel

He learned to resent authority figures.

The New Yorker

Pacino was less popular with the authority figures around him.

The New Yorker

Instead, they rely on what they hear from authority figures.

The New York Times

Something about stentorian authority figures has always made me laugh.

The New York Times

"Boy, she could dress down those authority figures.

The New Yorker

And I felt rage toward various authority figures.

The New York Times

Individualism gives authority figures an unwarranted sense of arrogance.

Independent

My real-life villains... most politicians and authority figures.

Independent

Police interrogators are authority figures with a vengeance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "authority figures", be specific about the type of authority they wield (e.g., legal, moral, professional) to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all "authority figures" are inherently trustworthy or benevolent. Critically evaluate their actions and motivations based on evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "authority figures" functions as a plural noun, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a group of individuals recognized as holding power or influence, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

21%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "authority figures" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote individuals who hold positions of power or influence. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and general discourse. When employing the term in your writing, remember to be specific about the type of authority being exercised and avoid making broad generalizations about the trustworthiness of all such figures. Consider alternatives like "people in charge" or "leading figures" to add nuance depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

people in charge

Focuses on the aspect of being responsible and controlling a situation or group.

leading figures

Emphasizes prominence and influence within a specific field or context.

superiors

Implies a hierarchical relationship where one individual is subordinate to another.

those in power

Highlights the aspect of holding and wielding power over others.

chiefs

Refers to leaders or heads of organizations or groups.

decision-makers

Focuses on the role of making important choices and directives.

directors

Highlights the role of guiding and managing people and resources.

commanding officers

Specifically refers to individuals in positions of authority within a military or hierarchical organization.

governing bodies

Refers to organized groups or institutions that exercise authority and control.

establishment

Refers to a dominant group or elite that holds power and influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "authority figures" to refer to individuals who hold power or influence. For example, "Children often look up to "authority figures" such as parents and teachers."

What is a synonym for "authority figures"?

Alternatives to "authority figures" include "people in charge", "leading figures", or "those in power" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to respect "authority figures"?

While respecting legitimate authority is generally encouraged, it's also important to critically evaluate the actions of "authority figures" and challenge them when necessary.

What's the difference between "authority figures" and "parental figures"?

"Authority figures" is a broader term that encompasses anyone in a position of power or influence, whereas "parental figures" specifically refers to individuals who fulfill the role of a parent.