authorize an action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "authorize an action" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing permission or approval for a specific task or behavior. Example: "The manager will authorize an action to proceed with the project." Alternative expressions include "approve an action" and "permit an action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

On Monday, the company said S.E.C. staff members had asked the agency to authorize an action claiming that State Street violated antifraud provisions of federal securities laws.

The New York Times

The outgoing Chancellor, Helmut Kohl, may be reluctant to authorize an action whose results would be left to his successor, Gerhard Schroder, to deal with.

The New York Times

Another mutual fund company facing legal trouble is Franklin Resources, which said in its filing yesterday that it had been notified by the S.E.C. that its staff intended to "authorize an action against a subsidiary of the company and two senior officers".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A statute authorizing an action to establish a right is very different from one which creates a right to be established.

Cornell University

During the early spring, he authorized an action against Hezbollah in the north, Operation Grapes of Wrath, which included an errant strike against a Lebanese town in which more than a hundred civilians were killed.

The New Yorker

Merrill Lynch, which was the county's broker and largest underwriter, is said to be talking to the S.E.C. Rauscher Pierce Refsnes Inc. said last August that the S.E.C. had "authorized an action" against it and that the company was trying to reach a settlement.

The New York Times

If the Secretary concludes at any time following the filing of a complaint that prompt judicial action is necessary to carry out the purposes of this subchapter, the Secretary may authorize a civil action for appropriate temporary or preliminary relief pending final disposition of the complaint under this section.

Cornell University

If, they argue, an agent cannot authorize a given action without being determined to do so by powers beyond her control, then autonomous agency is an illusion.

SEP

If Congress votes down a resolution that would authorize a strike action, the President might take the position that (a) failure to pass a resolution of authority does not equal the affirmative passage of a resolution denying him authority, and (b) absent the latter, he still has constitutional power to undertake the mission unilaterally.

Huffington Post

Ravalomanana became the third president since independence (after Ratsiraka and Philibert Tsiranana) to allow the defense forces to shoot at civilians; several months later, at a demonstration led by Ravalomanana supporters, Rajoelina would become the fourth president to authorize such an action.

Wikipedia

'The statute does not authorize an attachment except in an action, and the clerk of the court has no authority to issue the order of attachment until an action is brought, and the relation of plaintiff and defendant is established in the case.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal reports, identify the authorizing entity clearly (e.g., 'The board will authorize an action') to ensure accountability.

Common error

Avoid using "authorize" for simple interpersonal permissions. For example, saying a friend 'authorized an action' for you to borrow a pen is stylistically inappropriate; use '"allow"' or '"let"' instead. Authorization implies a formal or legal framework.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "authorize an action" functions as a transitive verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and typically used to denote the delegation of power or the granting of formal consent to proceed with a specific task. It follows the standard structure of a verb followed by a direct object.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "authorize an action" is a highly effective phrase for professional and academic writing. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a correct and standard expression, particularly within legal and political frameworks. It conveys a sense of formal legitimacy that simpler verbs like 'start' or 'allow' lack. When using this phrase, ensure that the context supports a formal register, as its usage in casual conversation can seem unnecessarily stiff. By correctly identifying the authorizing body and the specific action intended, writers can use this phrase to bring clarity and accountability to their prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approve a measure

Shifts the focus to a specific legislative or procedural step rather than a general action.

sanction an activity

Implies a higher level of moral or legal endorsement, often used in political contexts.

permit a procedure

More common in technical or medical contexts where rules allow for a specific operation.

validate a move

Suggests confirming the legitimacy of a strategic decision rather than just granting permission.

warrant a response

Implies that the situation itself justifies the action taken.

endorse a plan

Indicates public support or a recommendation for a specific course of action.

clear a project

More idiomatic in business, suggesting the removal of bureaucratic hurdles.

license a conduct

Specifically refers to granting a legal right or certificate to behave in a certain way.

ratify a decision

Refers to the formal confirmation of a decision that has already been proposed or made.

empower an initiative

Focuses on providing the necessary resources and authority to begin something new.

FAQs

How do I use "authorize an action" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe official approval, such as: "The committee met to "authorize an action" regarding the new safety protocols".

What is a more formal way to say "authorize an action"?

Depending on the context, you might use "sanction an initiative" or "ratify a proceeding".

Is it "authorize an action" or "authorize a action"?

The correct form is ""authorize an action"" because "action" begins with a vowel sound, requiring the article 'an'.

Can "authorize an action" be used in legal documents?

Yes, it is very common in legal and administrative texts to describe the granting of power, though lawyers often prefer more specific terms like "grant authority to act".