authority to compel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "authority to compel" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone has the power or right to enforce compliance or action from others. Example: "The committee has the authority to compel witnesses to testify during the investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The mediators have no authority to compel an agreement.

The New York Times - Sports

But we had no legal authority to compel banks to provide mortgage relief.

The New York Times

"We have overriding authority to compel [them] to do this," the source said.

The Guardian

(When they don't, police have legal authority to compel them to turn it over).

The New Yorker

Cohen arrived with impeccable credentials and the imprimatur of the federal government, but with no authority to compel an agreement.

The New York Times - Sports

The man who runs the Counterterrorist Center, George Tenet, the director of central intelligence, lacks the authority to compel cooperation.

The New York Times

Such a program would have to be voluntary since the F.D.A. lacks regulatory authority to compel restaurants to do so.

The New York Times

The 1924 law that gives Neal the authority to compel the records amended the Internal Revenue Code.

The Washington Post

Even so, the safety agency has no direct authority to compel automakers to adopt its recommendations, and describes the guidelines as voluntary.

The New York Times

"The government is without authority to compel a citizen to purchase a good or service against their will," Mrs. Bachmann said.

The New York Times

Mr. Copps also said the F.C.C. should "determine the extent of its current authority" to compel stations to disclose the interest groups behind political ads.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "authority to compel", clearly specify who possesses the authority and who is subject to it for clarity. For instance, "The court has the authority to compel the witness to testify."

Common error

Avoid assuming that "authority to compel" is absolute. The scope of this authority is usually limited by law or specific regulations. Be sure to specify the limits of that authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "authority to compel" functions as a noun phrase that describes the power or right to enforce a specific action or behavior. The phrase specifies that the authority is not merely advisory or suggestive, but has the force to ensure compliance. Ludwig AI identifies this phrase as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "authority to compel" is a grammatically sound phrase that indicates the power to enforce a specific action or compliance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. This phrase is commonly used in news, academic, and formal contexts, denoting a professional tone. Related phrases include "power to enforce" or "right to mandate". It is important to clarify the scope and limits of this authority when using the phrase to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

power to enforce

Focuses on the practical ability to ensure compliance, rather than the legitimacy of the right.

right to mandate

Emphasizes the legal or moral entitlement to issue commands or requirements.

legal power to require

Highlights the judicial aspect of the authority, framing it within the parameters of law.

ability to enforce compliance

Stresses the practical capacity to make someone adhere to a set of rules or standards.

capacity to exact

Implies the ability to demand and obtain something, often with a sense of rigor or precision.

prerogative to demand

Suggests a special or exclusive right to make a request or order.

license to oblige

Conveys a formal permission or authorization to create an obligation for someone else.

entitlement to exact

Focuses on the justified claim or privilege to demand something from someone.

jurisdiction to enforce

Refers specifically to the legal scope within which authority can be applied.

power to coerce

Implies the use of force or pressure to ensure compliance, often with negative connotations.

FAQs

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

Use "authority to compel" to indicate that an entity or individual has the power to enforce an action or compliance. For instance, "The regulatory body has the authority to compel companies to disclose their environmental impact."

What phrases are similar to "authority to compel"?

Similar phrases include "power to enforce", "right to mandate", or "legal power to require", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

In what contexts is "authority to compel" commonly used?

"Authority to compel" is commonly used in legal, regulatory, and organizational contexts to describe the power to enforce compliance with rules, laws, or directives.

What is the difference between "authority to compel" and "right to request"?

"Authority to compel" implies the power to enforce compliance, whereas "right to request" only implies the legitimacy to ask for something, without the power to enforce it.