bestow authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bestow authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of granting or giving power or control to someone. Example: "The committee decided to bestow authority upon the new leader to make critical decisions for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But popularity does not bestow authority.

The New York Times

But age and fame do more than sell tickets; they also bestow authority, the belief that one can stand up there all alone — unsupported, unrelieved — and tell the audience something serious.

The New Yorker

Moreover, as Cuoco co-opted Italian scholarship to bestow authority on his vision, a new relationship between classical scholars and national past emerged: scholars study, shape and preserve the nation's antiquity, but become at the same time, to an extent, themselves cultural patrimony.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Of equal importance was the publisher's imprimatur, which bestowed authority on the publication and its author.

Johns Hopkins University

"It bestows authority and validates people's experience".

The Guardian

Eventually the popes assumed civil authority in Christendom (according to the false Donation of Constantine, the first Christian emperor actually bestowed authority over the Western Empire to the pope).

Encyclopedia Britannica

I am not that bothered about the press card stuck in the brim, or the cigarette hanging out of the side of the mouth, but the hat I think bestows authority.

The Guardian - Sport

As Section 6 of Republic Act 8791 defines, only the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) bestows authority for an institution or individual to conduct banking functions, these institutions must forward the mandate of the Central Bank to support price and monetary stability, along with peso exchangeability.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

They argue that leaders attempt to control the lives of adherents by claiming divinely bestowed authority.

Wikipedia

Having once relied on the Warmbiers to bestow moral authority on his risky North Korea strategy, Trump has lost a crucial partnership at the worst time, as the general public relates to the renewed pain of a family that feels betrayed by the president.

The Washington Post

In practice, though, most U.S. bishops have already bestowed such authority to priests.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bestow authority" when you want to emphasize the formal or ceremonial nature of granting someone power or rights.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "bestowing authority" automatically guarantees competence or ethical behavior. Always couple the grant of authority with appropriate oversight and accountability mechanisms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bestow authority" functions as a verb phrase + noun construction. It describes the act of formally granting or conferring power or control. Ludwig examples confirm that the phrase is typically used to indicate a deliberate and often official act of giving someone authority.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

11%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bestow authority" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies the formal act of granting power or control. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical soundness, the phrase is categorized as uncommon in usage. The contexts in which it appears range from news and media to academic and scientific writing, suggesting a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "grant power" and "delegate authority". When using the phrase, it is crucial to clearly define the scope and limitations of the authority being conferred. Therefore, considering all of these points, its important to remember that bestowing authority doesn't imply complete and flawless control and accountability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grant power

Replaces "authority" with the more general term "power".

confer power

Substitutes "bestow" with the more formal verb "confer" and "authority" with "power".

delegate authority

Implies a transfer of authority from one person to another, focusing on the delegation aspect.

give authorization

Focuses on the act of authorizing, providing formal permission or approval.

vest power in

Uses the verb "vest" to indicate a formal granting of power or authority.

invest with authority

Emphasizes the act of investing someone with a specific power or right.

empower

A more concise verb that implies giving someone the means and authority to do something.

endow with power

Uses "endow" to suggest a more permanent or inherent granting of power.

transfer authority to

Highlights the transfer of authority from one entity to another.

entrust with power

Emphasizes the trust placed in the individual receiving the power or authority.

FAQs

What does "bestow authority" mean?

The phrase "bestow authority" means to formally give or grant power, rights, or control to someone. It implies a deliberate act of conferring authority upon an individual or entity.

How can I use "bestow authority" in a sentence?

You can use "bestow authority" in a sentence like this: "The board decided to "grant power" to the new CEO to implement the strategic plan."

What are some alternatives to "bestow authority"?

Some alternatives to "bestow authority" include "grant authority", "confer power", "delegate authority", or "invest with authority".

Is it more appropriate to use "bestow authority" or "give authority"?

"Bestow authority" is generally more formal and suggests a ceremonial or significant act of granting power. "Give authority" is a simpler and more common phrase suitable for less formal contexts. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.