authority to decide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "authority to decide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is granted the power or right to make decisions. Example: "The committee has the authority to decide on the allocation of funds for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Do you have supreme authority to decide what stays and what goes?

The New York Times

Mr. Holder has the ultimate authority to decide whether a special counsel is necessary.

The New York Times

"But the board retains the authority to decide how to respond".

The New York Times

The Vermont legislature reserved for itself the authority to decide on whether to issue the certificate.

The New York Times

"They're not going to give up authority to decide habeas-corpus cases, not a chance".

The New Yorker

"Towns are solely vested with the authority to decide land use issues through our zoning powers.

The New York Times

But the Bush administration, he said, had final authority to decide what would be turned over.

The New York Times

Connecticut's local elected officials should at least have the legal authority to decide this for themselves".

The New York Times

He said school principals should be given increased authority to decide on classroom assignments for teachers.

The New York Times

You have the authority to decide whether I'm a good or bad person, and I don't".

The Guardian - Film

"The police insist they have the authority to decide who walks the streets," he says.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For greater impact, pair "authority to decide" with specific outcomes or responsibilities, illustrating the tangible results of this power.

Common error

Avoid implying unlimited power when using "authority to decide". Clearly delineate the boundaries of the decision-making power to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "authority to decide" functions as a noun phrase that signifies the power, right, or ability to make a determination or judgment. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various scenarios where decision-making power is vested in an individual or entity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "authority to decide" is a widely used phrase that denotes the power or right to make determinations. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and applicable across various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. While alternatives like "power to determine" or "right to make decisions" offer similar meanings, it's essential to define the scope of this authority to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig's AI confirms its versatile usage and high relevance in clarifying decision-making responsibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

power to determine

Replaces "authority" with "power" to indicate the ability to make a final determination.

right to make decisions

Substitutes "authority" with "right", emphasizing the legal or moral entitlement to decide.

prerogative to determine

Uses "prerogative" instead of "authority" to suggest an exclusive right or privilege.

final say

Simple alternative highlighting the power of making the ultimate decision.

discretion to choose

Replaces "decide" with "choose", highlighting the freedom to select among options.

mandate to rule

Employs "mandate" and "rule" suggesting a formal authorization to govern or decide.

license to judge

Replaces "authority" and "decide" suggesting to have the permission to decide.

the power of adjudication

Uses more formal and legalistic terms to convey the authority to make a judgment or decision.

the say-so

Uses an informal expression to indicate the power of final approval or decision.

capacity to resolve

Focuses on the ability to find a resolution, rather than just making a decision.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "authority to decide" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "power to determine", "right to make decisions", or "prerogative to determine".

Is there a simpler way to say "authority to decide"?

Yes, you can use simpler alternatives like "final say" or "the say-so" in more informal contexts.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "authority to decide"?

The phrase "authority to decide" is appropriate in any situation where someone or some entity has the power or right to make a final determination, such as in legal, business, or personal contexts.

What's the difference between "authority to decide" and "discretion to choose"?

"Authority to decide" implies a formal right or power, while "discretion to choose" suggests more freedom and flexibility in making a selection among options.