by authority of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by authority of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that an action or statement is sanctioned or approved by a specific authority or governing body. Example: "The document was issued by authority of the city council, granting permission for the event to take place."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

/ by J.B. Koetteritz ; by authority of the State Forest Commission.

Yale University

by authority of the President in the exercise of the foregoing powers may be received in evidence..

Cornell University

Maseru : Published by authority of the Chairman of the Militry Council and Council of Ministers [by the Govt. Printer, 1993].

Stanford University

/ compiled by authority of the Hon. the Secretary of War in the Office of the Chief of Engineers, U.S.A.

Yale University

Certain things are of their nature sacred (e.g., the Sacraments); others become so by blessing or consecration legitimately bestowed on things or places by authority of the Church.

Cornell University

The survey was made by authority of the commissioner of that office, under the supervision of the surveyor general of New Mexico.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

The United States sought to compel an employer--by authority of the Occupational Safety and Health Act--to produce employee medical records.

Harvard University

The next entry reports his detention by authorities of D.F.S.

The New York Times

The widespread sectarian killings have gone virtually unchecked by authorities of any kind, American or Iraqi.

The New York Times

But arrests must be made by authorities of the country in which suspects are caught.

The New York Times

She was accused by authorities of endangering national security while meeting in Libya with Saif al-Islam.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by authority of", clearly state the specific authority being referenced to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The project was approved by authority of the city council" is more precise than simply "The project was approved by authority."

Common error

Avoid using "by authority of" without specifying the source of authority. Ambiguous statements can lead to confusion and undermine the legitimacy of the action or statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by authority of" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating that an action or statement is officially sanctioned or permitted. Ludwig examples show it attributing legitimacy to diverse actions, such as issuing documents or conducting surveys.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

52%

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by authority of" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that an action or statement is officially sanctioned or permitted. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in formal contexts like academia, legal settings, and news reporting. The phrase serves to legitimize or validate actions, decisions, or statements. It is important to specify the source of authority to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "under the auspices of" or "with the authorization of", though "by authority of" remains a clear and direct way to convey official sanction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with the authorization of

Emphasizes the formal permission or approval granted.

by virtue of

Highlights that something is done due to a specific power or right.

with the sanction of

Emphasizes the official approval or permission given.

under the auspices of

Suggests a more formal and protective support or guidance.

by decree of

Indicates a formal order or command issued by an authority.

pursuant to

Indicates that something is done in accordance with a law or legal document.

under license from

Indicates that something is permitted or approved by a licensing body.

on the strength of

Implies reliance on a particular power or validation.

with the backing of

Highlights the support or endorsement of a powerful entity.

by the agency of

Suggests that something is done by an intermediary or representative.

FAQs

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

Use "by authority of" to indicate that an action or statement is sanctioned or approved by a specific power. For example, "The document was issued "by authority of" the city council, granting permission for the event to take place."

What are some alternatives to "by authority of"?

You can use alternatives like "under the auspices of", "with the authorization of", or "pursuant to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "by authority of" or "under authority of"?

"By authority of" is the more common and grammatically sound phrase. "Under authority of" is less frequently used and can sound awkward in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "by authority of" and "with the permission of"?

"By authority of" implies a formal, often legal or official sanction, while "with the permission of" suggests a more general and less formal consent. For example, a law is enacted ""by authority of"" a legislative body, but someone might enter a building "with the permission of" the owner.