authority on the issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "authority on the issue" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase can be used to describe someone who is knowledgeable or experienced on a particular topic. For example, "John is an authority on the issue of renewable energy, having studied the topic for over 10 years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The Dalai Lama and China have repeatedly tussled over who has final authority on the issue of reincarnation.

The Guardian

Yes, he ended waterboarding — which is also what John McCain, who has real moral authority on the issue, said he would do.

The New York Times

Loughborough University's Centre for Research in Social Policy, considered the authority on the issue, calculates that outside the capital, you need £7.20 an hour.

The Guardian

In the West in the 1990s, more than 2.2 million housing units were added in these fire-prone areas, according to testimony by Roger B. Hammer, a demographer at Oregon State University and a leading authority on the issue.

The New York Times

Mr. de Blasio may have more direct authority on the issue of hospitals, given that the city's Planning Commission, which is controlled by the mayor, could block efforts to turn shuttered hospitals into high-priced housing.

The New York Times

The White House knew the Citizens United decision would soon be handed down, and Obama's aides saw it as a moment when the President could regain some moral authority on the issue of political reform.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

In legislative circles, he is among the foremost authorities on the issue.

The New Yorker

The authorities in the state of Acre, a place of entry for the Haitians in the Brazilian Amazon, have also differed with federal authorities on the issue.

The New York Times

Japan is closely watching the transactions and will seek to maintain close contact with Chinese authorities on the issue, Vice Finance Minister Naoki Minezaki told lawmakers in Tokyo.

The New York Times

A spokesperson from the Department of Transport said: "We are working with the Egyptian authorities on the issue, but it remains too early to say when direct flights might be resumed".

Independent

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that British troops in Afghanistan were handling captured Al Qaeda and Taliban prisoners differently from their American counterparts, but played down any suggestion of friction between British and American authorities on the issue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "authority on the issue", ensure the individual or entity genuinely possesses recognized expertise or influence in the specific area being discussed. Provide context to support their credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting someone as an "authority on the issue" based solely on their opinion or personal experience. Ensure they have demonstrable expertise or credentials relevant to the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "authority on the issue" functions as a noun phrase functioning as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies or describes someone as having expertise or control over a particular matter. This aligns with Ludwig AI, which confirms its proper usage in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

13%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "authority on the issue" is used to identify someone with considerable expertise or power over a specific matter. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a grammatically sound and usable phrase in English, though its frequency of use is relatively uncommon. Predominantly featured in "News & Media" contexts, it also appears in "Science" and "Encyclopedias", highlighting its relevance across various domains. When using the phrase, ensure the attributed "authority" possesses genuine expertise and avoid misattribution based solely on opinion. Alternatives such as "expert in the matter" or "leading voice on the subject" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Expert in the matter

Focuses on expertise, replacing "authority" with a direct synonym and "issue" with "matter".

Top expert regarding the concern

Focuses on expertise using the word "expert" and replaces "issue" with concern.

Leading voice on the subject

Emphasizes influence and perspective, using "voice" instead of "authority" and "subject" instead of "issue".

Primary source on the dilemma

Focuses on being a source of information and replaces the word "issue" with "dilemma".

Point person for the question

Emphasizes responsibility and knowledge related to a specific question.

Person with clout on this topic

Replaces authority with "clout", indicating influence rather than formal power.

One who holds sway in this area

Uses "sway" to indicate influence, rather than formal authority, and "area" to replace "issue".

Go-to person for the problem

Highlights practical problem-solving ability, differing from formal authority.

Master of this field

Highlights mastery and comprehensive knowledge, diverging from issue-specific authority.

Key figure in the debate

Focuses on involvement in a discussion, rather than inherent authority.

FAQs

How can I use "authority on the issue" in a sentence?

You can use "authority on the issue" to describe someone with expertise. For example, "Dr. Smith is considered an authority on the issue of climate change".

What's a more formal alternative to "authority on the issue"?

For a more formal tone, you could use "expert in the matter" or "leading voice on the subject" as alternatives.

When is it appropriate to describe someone as an "authority on the issue"?

It's appropriate when the person has recognized expertise, credentials, or significant experience related to the specific issue being discussed.

What can I say instead of "authority on the issue" when referring to a document?

If referring to a document, you might say it is a "key document for the question", "primary source on the dilemma", or a "definitive resource".