authority to unmake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "authority to unmake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the power or right to reverse or nullify decisions, creations, or agreements. Example: "The committee has the authority to unmake any previous resolutions that no longer serve the organization's best interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

What Westminster has made, it has authority to unmake.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He chose to unmake television instead.

The New York Times

You could argue against it, try to unmake it, but you couldn't ignore it.

The New Yorker

There is a widespread belief in the power of imagination to unmake that rule, to transcend or transform reality.

The Guardian - Books

But when I met him, it was because the local yobs were doing their best to unmake it for him.

The Guardian

At the time, fans were furious at Lucas for both the prequels and the changes he'd made — and refused to unmake — to the original films.

The New Yorker

They are the most unusual love poems: fortified by years, by sexual passion of valedictory intensity and by vows she does not, at first, know how to unmake.

The Guardian - Books

"It is always easier to unmake than make, but the consequences are extremely serious," he said on a visit to the eastern French city of Colmar.

The Guardian

And while they had made the tunnel secretly and at leisure, they were obliged to unmake it openly and in haste.

The New Yorker

QUESTION FROM LEWIS KAMINSKI: Picking up on the whole commerce/healthcare string, isn't this all going to be a chance for Roberts et al to unmake a century worth of commerce clause jurisprudence?

The New Yorker

The distinction between life and art is one that all genuine works of art live to unmake, even if the circumstances in which we experience art have a way of maintaining the barrier.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "authority to unmake", ensure the context clearly defines what is being unmade, as the phrase itself is somewhat abstract. Specify the object or decision being reversed for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "authority to unmake" excessively in formal or legal documents. More precise terms like "revoke", "repeal", or "nullify" often provide clearer and less ambiguous meanings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "authority to unmake" functions as a noun phrase followed by an infinitive. It specifies the power or right (authority) to reverse or undo something (to unmake). As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "authority to unmake" is grammatically sound, albeit uncommon. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It denotes the power to reverse or negate something previously established. The phrase appears mostly in news and media contexts. For formal writing, more specific terms like "revoke" or "nullify" might be preferable. When using "authority to unmake", clarity is crucial. It's advisable to specify precisely what is being unmade. While semantically valid, its infrequent usage suggests that alternative phrasings may often be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

power to reverse

Focuses on the capability to invert or change a decision or action.

right to revoke

Emphasizes the legal or formal entitlement to cancel or withdraw something.

ability to nullify

Highlights the capacity to render something void or without effect.

capacity to undo

Stresses the potential to reverse or negate an action or its consequences.

prerogative to repeal

Suggests a special right or privilege to cancel or abolish a law or policy.

license to dismantle

Implies a permission or authorization to take apart or disassemble something.

option to retract

Focuses on the choice to withdraw or take back a statement or commitment.

discretion to invalidate

Highlights the freedom to judge something as no longer valid or acceptable.

power to negate

Emphasizes the control or influence to deny the effect of something.

entitlement to rescind

Indicates a rightful claim to cancel or abolish something previously established.

FAQs

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

You can use "authority to unmake" to describe the power or right to reverse a decision, creation, or agreement. For example, "The council has the "authority to unmake" any regulations deemed ineffective".

What is a more formal alternative to "authority to unmake"?

In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "power to revoke", "right to repeal", or "ability to nullify", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "authority to unmake" commonly used in legal writing?

While grammatically correct, "authority to unmake" isn't a standard phrase in legal writing. Legal contexts often favor more precise and established terms like "right to rescind" or "power to invalidate".

What is the difference between "authority to unmake" and "power to change"?

"Authority to unmake" implies a complete reversal or undoing, whereas "power to change" suggests alteration or modification. The former is more absolute in its effect.