by decree of

USAGE SUMMARY

"by decree of" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe a requirement or command that has been mandated by a particular authority or power. Example sentence: "The city's citizens had to abide by the new curfew, by decree of the mayor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

By decree of a synod of 769, only a cardinal was eligible to become pope.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By decree of the emperor, a vast spying service was organized under three special agencies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

May 28 , 2009 was, by decree of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Burberry Day in New York City.

The New Yorker

This version of the agreement was ratified by decree of the new President, Jean-Claude (Baby Doc) Duvalier.

The New Yorker

These suspects were arrested by Cicero and were executed on December 5 by decree of the now-thoroughly alarmed Senate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet, whether by decree of law or out of a will to learn, thousands of students showed up last week at the city's fourteen registration centers.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

The ESCA Statistical Plan is a part of the Autonomous Government of Catalonia and is regulated by Decree 467/2004 of 28 December, according to which the performance statistics have been approved yearly since 2005.

BMJ Open

Its success was guaranteed by the decree of March 23 , 1848 signed by King Charles Albert of Sardinia, ordering Italian troops to carry the tricolour in their battles against the Austrian army.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their suits seem to have been pressed, their ties to have been knotted, not by fallible human hands but by the decree of a divine will.

The New Yorker

Mary, Jenny believed, was defeated not by some decree of malign fate but by her own sheer incompetence and inability to understand the art of political management.

The Guardian - Books

St. Cyprian says that Pope Cornelius was chosen Bishop of Rome "by the decree of God and of His Church, by the testimony of nearly all the clergy, by the college of aged bishops [sacerdotum], and of good men".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by decree of", ensure that the authority issuing the decree is clearly identified to provide context and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "by decree of" when the action is merely a suggestion or guideline. This phrase should only be used when there is an official, enforceable order from a recognized authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by decree of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the origin or authorization behind an action or decision. It introduces the entity or authority that has issued an official command or ruling.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by decree of" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that an action or decision has been formally ordered by an authority. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness, and it's frequently found in formal contexts such as news reports, encyclopedias, and legal documents. While versatile, it should only be used when referring to an official, enforceable command, as misattributing authority is a common error. Alternatives such as "pursuant to an order from" or "as mandated by" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is common, but it has a serious tone. Always remember to clearly identify the authority issuing the decree to provide context and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by edict of

Uses 'edict' as a direct synonym for 'decree', maintaining the formal tone and meaning.

as mandated by

Emphasizes the compulsory nature of the decree, using 'mandated' to convey obligation.

pursuant to an order from

Replaces 'decree' with 'order' and uses 'pursuant to' to emphasize compliance with the directive.

on the orders of

Directly attributes the command to a specific entity, simplifying the original phrase.

under the authority of

Highlights the power or legal basis behind the decision, shifting focus from the act of decreeing to the source of authority.

as stipulated by

Indicates a formal agreement or condition that necessitates the action, similar to a legal requirement.

under the instruction of

Highlights a superior's command, replacing 'decree' with 'instruction' for a less formal tone.

by the power vested in

Focuses on the legal or official capacity that allows the decree to be made.

in accordance with the directive of

Formal and emphasizes compliance with the stated directive, suitable for official contexts.

under the provision of

Specifies that the action is being taken according to a particular clause or term.

FAQs

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

Use "by decree of" to indicate that something has been officially ordered or mandated by someone in authority. For example, "The celebration was cancelled by decree of the governor."

What are some alternatives to "by decree of"?

You can use alternatives like "pursuant to an order from", "as mandated by", or "under the authority of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "by decree of" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "by decree of" is generally more suitable for formal or official writing due to its serious and authoritative tone. In informal contexts, simpler phrases may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "by decree of" and "by order of"?

While similar, "by decree of" typically implies a more formal or official proclamation, often associated with legal or governmental authority, whereas "by order of" can refer to any command from someone in a position of authority.