authority over

USAGE SUMMARY

"authority over" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
Generally, it is used to indicate a person or group that has managerial, governance, or regulatory control over an individual or group. For example, "The mayor has authority over the city council."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Authority over whom?

The New York Times

Principals have huge authority over them.

The New Yorker

They have no authority over his decisions.

The New York Times

"I had absolutely no authority over Brendan Smyth".

The New York Times

"He didn't have authority over anyone.

The New York Times

With anyone who assumes authority over you".

The Guardian

It broke all authority over fishing".

The New York Times

Did they have authority over the guards?

The New York Times

The new plan divides authority over energy.

The New York Times

Affection that lends him authority over you.

The New Yorker

"They have complete authority over us".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "authority over", clearly define the scope and limits of that authority to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "authority over" one area automatically extends to others. Be specific about what falls under your purview.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "authority over" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating control, jurisdiction, or the right to exert power. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across diverse contexts. It clarifies the relationship between a person or entity wielding power and the object of that power, as exemplified in sentences like "The commission has supervisory authority over the National Police Agency."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "authority over" is a very common prepositional phrase used to denote control, jurisdiction, or power. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When employing this phrase, be clear about the scope and limitations of the power being described. Alternatives like "jurisdiction over" or "control over" can be used depending on the intended nuance. Understanding these nuances is crucial for effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jurisdiction over

Focuses specifically on legal or official power to make decisions.

control over

Emphasizes the power to direct or regulate.

power over

Highlights the capacity to influence or dominate.

dominion over

Suggests supreme authority or ownership.

influence over

Indicates the ability to affect actions or decisions without direct command.

command over

Implies the ability to give orders and expect obedience.

supervision of

Highlights the act of overseeing or directing activities.

management of

Focuses on the responsibility of handling or directing resources or people.

leadership of

Emphasizes the role of guiding and directing a group or organization.

oversight of

Suggests the responsibility of monitoring and ensuring proper functioning.

FAQs

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

Use "authority over" to indicate someone or something that has control or jurisdiction. For example, "The manager has authority over the team's decisions."

What's a good alternative to "authority over"?

You can use alternatives like "jurisdiction over", "control over", or "power over" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "authority on" instead of "authority over"?

No, "authority on" indicates expertise in a subject, while "authority over" indicates control or jurisdiction. They have different meanings.

What's the difference between "authority over" and "influence over"?

"Authority over" implies a formal right to give orders and enforce compliance, whereas "influence over" suggests the ability to affect decisions or actions without direct command.