authority to mandate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "authority to mandate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone has the power or right to impose rules or directives. Example: "The committee has the authority to mandate new policies for the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Legislatures have the authority to mandate more nuanced outcomes.

The Washington Post

We oppose any effort by any authority to mandate such vaccines.

The New Yorker

Some have argued that the city does not have the authority to mandate the purchase of a specific vehicle.

The New York Times

The suit also argues that the city does not have the authority to mandate the purchase of a given vehicle.

The New York Times

What justifies the state in compelling children to attend school in what does its authority to mandate attendance lie?

Encyclopedia Britannica

The unusual proposal would use the city's zoning authority to mandate smoke-free restaurants.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

And then something happens, something unexpected and definitive, that propels Jude out of Vermont and down to New York to live with his father, Les, an East Village pot dealer and a pretty nice guy whose idea of paternal authority is to mandate that his kid can smoke only weed grown by Les.

The New York Times - Books

Merchant transmission financing, based on congestion rents only, does not seem to be a sustainable option to provide sufficient network capacities, and authorities will need to mandate the investment in order for it to be made.

Utilities Policy

This measure grants local authorities the power to mandate that mothers in areas deemed to have high rates of population growth have children no fewer than three years apart.

The Economist

Business leaders observed that company chief executive officers often exercise greater authority than government officials to mandate changes or enforce adherence to policies and standards across locations.

BMC Public Health

The Food and Drug Administration of the United States of America (the US FDA) was the first competent authority for medical device to mandate medical device quality system requirement to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medical devices.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "authority to mandate", ensure that the subject possessing the authority is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the agency, organization, or individual that holds this power.

Common error

Avoid assuming that an entity automatically possesses the "authority to mandate". Verify and explicitly state the source or legal basis for such authority to prevent challenges or misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "authority to mandate" functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific power or right. It indicates the ability of an entity (person, organization, government, etc.) to enforce certain rules or require specific actions. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "authority to mandate" is a correct and frequently used phrase denoting the legitimate power to issue directives. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound. It is particularly common in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts, emphasizing its formal and official nature. When using the phrase, ensure clarity about who holds the authority. Remember that possessing the "authority to mandate" does not necessarily equate to having the "power to enforce" the mandate. Alternative phrases such as "power to require" or "right to order" may be appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

power to require

Focuses on the power aspect rather than the legitimacy or right.

right to order

Emphasizes the legal or moral entitlement to give a command.

capacity to enforce

Highlights the ability to ensure compliance.

authorization to stipulate

Formal and legalistic, emphasizing the permission to specify terms.

competence to direct

Suggests skill and qualification in giving instructions.

license to prescribe

Implies a formal approval or permission to set down rules.

prerogative to decree

Emphasizes a special right or privilege to issue an order.

entitlement to instruct

Focuses on having a justified claim to provide guidance.

mandate imposing power

Inverts the structure for emphasis, highlighting the power.

legislative capacity to compel

Highlights the legal ability to force certain actions, focusing on legislation.

FAQs

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

Use "authority to mandate" to indicate that a person or organization has the official power or right to require certain actions or behaviors. For example: "The FDA has the "authority to mandate" recalls of unsafe food products."

What's the difference between "authority to mandate" and "power to enforce"?

"Authority to mandate" implies the right or permission to issue a directive, while "power to enforce" refers to the ability to ensure compliance with that directive. You can have the first without the second, and vice versa.

What can I say instead of "authority to mandate"?

You can use alternatives like "power to require", "right to order", or "capacity to enforce" depending on the context.

Is "authority to mandate" formal or informal?

"Authority to mandate" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional, legal, or academic contexts. In more informal settings, you might use simpler phrases like "can make people do" or "is allowed to require".