authority to act

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "authority to act" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is granted permission or power to take action on behalf of another person or organization. Example: "The manager has the authority to act on behalf of the company in negotiations with suppliers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

NATO now has the authority to act wherever there is a threat to any member.

The Economist

But Mr. Wagner raised the question of whether the archbishop had the authority to act.

The New York Times

It doesn't need legislative authority to act, but it is looking over its shoulder.

The New York Times

"This is an expansion of his authority to act without legislative approval".

The New York Times

The more moderate Shiite leaders may also just lack the political will and authority to act.

The New York Times

And the police have more authority to act quickly and assertively when order breaks down.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This fits with the notion that the state should have broad authority to act in secret.

The Guardian

I have no authority to act on behalf of the family who are not my constituents.

The Guardian

Perhaps it's true that all nation states try to extend their authority to act unaccountably.

The Guardian - Opinion

Comcast sued, challenging the FCC's authority to act in the absence of formal regulations.

MIT Technology Review

In 1988, Stickler gave Peconi the authority to act as his agent in securing a licensing contract with the library.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about delegation of responsibilities, explicitly state the scope of the "authority to act" to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The committee has the authority to act on all budgetary matters under $10,000".

Common error

Do not assume that possessing "authority to act" automatically implies responsibility for the outcomes. Clearly define accountability alongside the granted authority. For instance, a manager may have the authority to approve expenses, but is not responsible for the department's total budget.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "authority to act" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It signifies the power or right granted to someone to perform specific actions, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples. It is frequently found in legal, business, and political contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "authority to act" is grammatically sound and widely used, indicating a formal or legal permission to take action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts, primarily in news, academic and business domains. The phrase conveys empowerment and defines the boundaries of one's delegated power. While it's frequently encountered, ensure clarity by specifying the scope of the authority and differentiating it from responsibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

right to act

Replaces "authority" with "right", emphasizing the moral or legal justification for taking action.

power to act

Substitutes "authority" with "power", highlighting the ability and capacity to take action.

authorization to act

Uses "authorization" instead of "authority", stressing the formal permission granted.

entitlement to act

Emphasizes the legal or moral claim to have the authority to act.

license to act

Focuses on the formal permission or approval needed to take action, often in a specific domain.

mandate to act

Highlights the specific instruction or command to take action, often from a higher authority.

permission to act

Emphasizes the consent or approval granted to take action.

capacity to act

Focuses on the ability and resources necessary to take action effectively.

prerogative to act

Stresses the exclusive right or privilege to take action, often associated with a particular position or role.

competence to act

Highlights the necessary skills and qualifications to take action effectively and appropriately.

FAQs

How can I use "authority to act" in a sentence?

You can use "authority to act" to indicate that someone has been given permission or power to perform a specific action. For example, "The board granted the CEO the "authority to act" on behalf of the company during negotiations."

What's the difference between "authority to act" and "right to act"?

"Authority to act" usually implies a formal or legal permission, while "right to act" often refers to a moral or inherent entitlement. Someone might have the "authority to act" because of their position, but the "right to act" due to ethical considerations.

What are some alternatives to "authority to act"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "power to act", "authorization to act", or "permission to act". The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize ability, formal approval, or consent.

Is it redundant to say "full authority to act"?

While "authority to act" generally implies comprehensive power, specifying "full authority to act" can be useful to emphasize that there are no limitations or restrictions on the granted authority. It clarifies that the person or entity has complete discretion within the defined scope.