bigger authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bigger authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a higher level of power or control in a specific context, such as organizational hierarchy or decision-making. Example: "In matters of policy, we must defer to the bigger authority within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Many people will know of Brian Redhead as one of the famous voices of the Today programme but he was an even bigger authority on his home ground.

The Guardian

"When they are cornered, they go to a bigger authority, either to redistribute blame for a failure or to get support and extra money.

The New York Times

If you have problems with that, and heaven knows I do, you'll have to take it up with a bigger authority than the guardians of our art museums, who one by one are giving up on no-photograph policies.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

As in old Ealing comedies, small-timers take on big, bad authority figures.

Independent

But "Stop HS2" campaigners think that instead of battling over their own rival HS2 schemes, they should join those other, bigger authorities who have come out against it.

BBC

But he adds: "The evidence for whether bigger authorities are better or more efficient is at best mixed to tell you the truth.

BBC

Russians tend to want big authority all the time, even in theatre.

The New Yorker

It's not like I've put on some exhibition or tried to put myself up as some sort of expert or big authority on punk.

The Guardian - Music

FOR months now, President Bush has been asking Congress for something really big: authority to negotiate the largest free trade agreement the world has ever seen, one that would create a market of 800 million people in the Americas, from the Arctic to Antarctica.

The New York Times

"It's true that it's a big authority but that does not mean it can absolve itself of responsibility," said Mr Mahmood.

BBC

He delivered a stinging attack on Birmingham's services for children - accusing them of long-running failures in supporting the safety and well-being of young people in England's biggest authority.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bigger authority" when you want to emphasize a higher or more influential level of power or expertise compared to a previous or existing one. It's suitable when contrasting different levels of control or decision-making influence within an organization or system.

Common error

Avoid using "bigger authority" when you actually mean "absolute authority" or "ultimate authority". "Bigger authority" implies a relative comparison, while "absolute authority" indicates the highest, unquestionable power. Ensure your context requires a comparison, not a declaration of final power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bigger authority" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition, indicating the entity to which one defers or appeals. Ludwig AI's examples show it is often used when individuals or entities seek additional support or resolution from a more powerful source.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bigger authority" is a grammatically correct way to refer to a higher level of power or control. Ludwig AI confirms its usage, primarily in News & Media contexts, although it is relatively rare. While it's generally acceptable, ""greater authority"" or ""higher authority"" might be preferred for a more formal tone. When using "bigger authority", ensure you’re contrasting levels of power and not implying absolute power. Be mindful of the context to ensure clarity and appropriateness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Higher authority

Replaces "bigger" with "higher", emphasizing a superior rank or position.

Greater authority

Substitutes "bigger" with "greater", highlighting a more significant or extensive level of power.

Superior authority

Uses "superior" instead of "bigger", denoting a higher quality or rank of authority.

Supreme authority

Replaces "bigger" with "supreme", indicating the highest level of control or power.

Ultimate authority

Similar to "supreme authority", suggesting the final and highest source of power.

Larger authority

Uses "larger" instead of "bigger", focusing on the scope or extent of the authority.

Expanded authority

Emphasizes that the authority has been increased or broadened.

Elevated authority

Suggests that the authority has been raised to a higher level or status.

Increased jurisdiction

Focuses on the expanded legal or official scope of authority.

Enhanced power

Highlights the improved or strengthened ability to influence or control.

FAQs

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

You can use "bigger authority" to indicate a higher level of power or control. For example: "When the local branch couldn't resolve the issue, they escalated it to a "higher authority" at the headquarters."

What are some alternatives to using "bigger authority"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "bigger authority" include "greater authority", "superior authority", or "higher authority".

Is it more appropriate to say "bigger authority" or "greater authority"?

Both "bigger authority" and "greater authority" are acceptable, but "greater authority" is often perceived as more formal and refined.

What does "bigger authority" imply in an organizational context?

In an organizational context, "bigger authority" typically refers to individuals or departments with more decision-making power and control over resources compared to lower-level entities.