authorize them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "authorize them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when granting permission or power to a group or individuals to perform a specific action or task. Example: "Please ensure that you authorize them to access the confidential files they need for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Instead of being named for what they actually do, programs are named for the subsections of the laws that are supposed to authorize them, whether or not that authority is actually present in the language of the law.

The New Yorker

On top of that, he pointed out, "there are tens of thousands of police departments, which have the authority to use force, and 50 different state governments, which have to authorize them to do so".

Vice

Davis said she wouldn't authorize them to do so.

The Guardian

We did not authorize them to use our name.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama should authorize them to fly again under NATO command.

The New York Times

You sign with this trader and authorize them to sign a contract on your behalf".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

He's pointed out that his Administration has banned "enhanced interrogation techniques" by executive order, but another Administration can just as easily re-authorize them.

The New Yorker

(Congress authorized them later that year).

The New York Times

The lawyers spoke on condition of anonymity because their clients had not authorized them to speak.

The New York Times

The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland authorized their use in July 1648, and the Scottish Parliament authorized them in January 1649.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"He encouraged them ideologically, authorized them financially and personally headed the Fatah Al Aksa Brigades organization".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "authorize them", clearly specify the scope of authority being granted to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "authorize them to access financial records" provides more clarity than simply "authorize them".

Common error

Avoid using "authorize them" without specifying what actions are being authorized. Unclear authorization can lead to misunderstandings and misuse of power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "authorize them" functions as a verb phrase, where "authorize" is the verb and "them" is the object. It signifies the act of granting permission or power to a group of individuals.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "authorize them" is a common and grammatically sound way to express granting permission or power. As Ludwig AI points out, it's frequently found in "News & Media" contexts, reflecting its neutral register and widespread applicability. The examples show its use across various domains, from legal permissions to operational approvals. For effective communication, ensure the scope of authorization is clearly defined to prevent misunderstandings. Alternative phrases like "permit them" or "empower them" can be used to subtly shift the emphasis, depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permit them

This alternative focuses on granting permission explicitly.

allow them

This alternative emphasizes the act of not preventing someone from doing something.

approve them

This suggests a more formal endorsement or sanctioning of an action.

empower them

This alternative stresses giving someone the power or ability to do something.

license them

Implies granting official permission or a legal right.

entitle them

Suggests giving someone a right or claim to something.

commission them

This implies formally instructing them to carry out a specific task.

delegate to them

This focuses on assigning a task or responsibility to someone.

give them the go-ahead

This is an informal way of saying to give permission to proceed.

sanction them

This implies giving official approval or consent, often in a more formal or legal context.

FAQs

What does "authorize them" mean?

The phrase "authorize them" means to give someone or a group of people the permission or power to do something. It implies granting official approval or endorsement for a particular action or task.

How can I use "authorize them" in a sentence?

You can use "authorize them" in a sentence like this: "The board must "approve them" before they proceed with the project." or "Did the manager "permit them" to work remotely?"

What are some alternatives to "authorize them"?

Some alternatives to "authorize them" include "permit them", "allow them", "approve them", and "empower them". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "authorize them" and "authorized them"?

"Authorize them" is the present tense form, indicating the act of granting authorization. "Authorized them" is the past tense form, indicating that the authorization has already been granted.