basis of authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basis of authority" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the justification or foundation for the authority someone holds. Example: The constitution serves as the basis of authority for the government, outlining the powers and responsibilities of each branch.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Scripture was declared the only basis of authority.

Britannica

It is, in short, the obvious basis of authority for a net-neutrality rule.

The New Yorker

Tafsir is divided into four broad categories: (i) traditional, on the basis of authority; (ii) rational, often with strong linguistic analysis; (iii) legal, devoted to jurisprudence; (iv) mystical, devoted to inner and spiritual meanings.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rafsanjani has been methodically working to fashion a durable Islamic state as the basis of authority and to make its survival less dependent on the standing of the Faqih.

The New Yorker

Without a central source of tradition and power like the Vatican, or even, in many cases, a strong denominational structure, conservative evangelicals have no other basis of authority beyond their claims to the single, true interpretation of the Bible.

The New York Times - Magazine

Wheeler has already said that Title II authority is "on the table," but he should make this explicit by doing what Congress does routinely, which is pass laws under more than one basis of authority, to best insure the law's survival (lawyers call this arguing in the alternative).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

On the basis of that authority, the agency has raised the cap to $37,500.

Cornell University

The democratic conception might provide the basis of the authority of the assembly while the authority of courts and administrators may be more instrumentally grounded.

SEP

"While it is notable that the EPA is using its enforcement authority to address greenhouse gas emissions, the statutory basis of the authority for mobile source enforcement is in an entirely different, federally-implemented part of the Clean Air Act," he told VICE News.

Vice

"He's questioning the basis of our authority.

The New Yorker

The answer requires some thought about the nature and basis of religious authority.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts like governance or ethics, clearly define what constitutes the "basis of authority" to avoid ambiguity. Specify whether it's law, tradition, or consent.

Common error

Don't assume that having power automatically means having legitimate authority. Power might stem from force, while the "basis of authority" implies acceptance and rightfulness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basis of authority" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject complement or object of a preposition. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and used to denote the foundation or justification upon which authority rests.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "basis of authority" refers to the foundation or justification upon which power or control is legitimately exercised. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While found across various domains, it appears most frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. Alternative phrases include "source of authority" and "foundation of authority". When using "basis of authority", ensure you clearly define the specific source, be it law, tradition, or consent, to avoid ambiguity and to differentiate it from simple power dynamics. In conclusion, this phrase serves as a tool to clarify the source of legitimacy in governance, ethics, and various other abstract concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

source of authority

This alternative directly replaces "basis" with "source", maintaining the core meaning of origin or foundation.

foundation of authority

Using "foundation" instead of "basis" emphasizes the idea of a fundamental and supporting structure for authority.

justification for authority

This option highlights the reason or rationale behind the authority, focusing on its legitimacy.

ground for authority

Replacing "basis" with "ground" suggests a reason or cause upon which authority is established.

reason for authority

This alternative directly asks for the cause or explanation behind the authority's existence.

legal basis of power

Adding "legal" specifies that the authority is derived from laws or regulations.

source of legitimacy

Focuses on the legitimacy aspect of authority, highlighting where the right to rule comes from.

underlying principle of authority

This alternative emphasizes a fundamental rule or belief that supports the authority.

authority's rationale

A more concise way to refer to the set of reasons explaining or justifying authority.

the root of authority

Using "root" conveys the idea of a deeply embedded origin or cause of authority.

FAQs

How can I use "basis of authority" in a sentence?

You can use "basis of authority" to explain the source or justification for someone's power or control. For example, "The constitution serves as the "basis of authority" for the government".

What is a synonym for "basis of authority"?

A synonym for "basis of authority" is "source of authority". Other similar phrases include "foundation of authority" and "justification for authority".

What is the difference between "basis of authority" and "source of power"?

"Basis of authority" implies legitimacy and acceptance, while "source of power" can refer to any means of influence, including force or coercion. The "basis of authority" suggests a right to rule, whereas power is simply the ability to control.

What are some examples of a "basis of authority"?

Examples of a "basis of authority" include a constitution, which provides the legal framework for a government's authority; tradition, which establishes customary rights; and consent of the governed, where the people grant authority to their leaders.