by what right

USAGE SUMMARY

"by what right" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a phrase used to ask someone why they think they have the authority or permission to do something. For example, "By what right do you come into my house and take my things without asking?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

By what right?

The Guardian - Opinion

But by what right could one judge these people?

The New Yorker

By what right do Enron bigwigs stonewall Congress?

The New York Times

By what right can we dictate what kind of government other countries should have?

The New York Times

By what right did I assume that my sense of reality was more real than theirs?

The New York Times

By what right is Josiah McElheny, now showing at Andrea Rosen, a delightful artist?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Obligation, which changes the behaviour of those obliged to give a rights-based service (for example, by spelling out what rights patients have to information about medical treatment).

The Economist

Obligation cases change the behaviour of those obliged to give a rights-based service (for example, by spelling out what rights patients have to information about medical treatment).

The Economist

As Amelio explained his decision to me, "I was driven not by what was right for Gil Amelio but by what was right for Apple.

The New Yorker

"There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America".

Independent

Frank may also be a bit overly impressed by what the right has achieved.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by what right" to challenge actions or decisions that seem unjustified or to question the authority behind them. This phrase is effective in both formal and informal contexts, adding a layer of critical inquiry.

Common error

Avoid using "by what right" when simply seeking clarification or understanding. This phrase implies a challenge to authority, so ensure that's your intent. If you're merely curious, a less confrontational phrasing is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by what right" functions as an interrogative phrase, specifically used to challenge or question the authority, justification, or legitimacy of an action, decision, or claim. As Ludwig AI highlights, it directly confronts the basis upon which something is being done or asserted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by what right" is a grammatically sound and frequently used interrogative phrase employed to challenge the authority or justification behind an action or statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and appropriate for expressing skepticism or demanding accountability. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedia sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register while serving a distinctly critical and inquisitive purpose. When employing this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context warrants a direct challenge to authority rather than a simple request for clarification. Alternatives like "on what authority" or "what gives you the right" can be used to express similar sentiments with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on what authority

Focuses specifically on the source of authorization or permission.

what gives you the right

More direct and assertive, often used in confrontational situations.

under what justification

Emphasizes the reasons or arguments used to defend an action.

by what justification

A more formal and explicit variant asking for the justification.

with what permission

Highlights the lack of consent or approval.

where do you get off

An informal and often rude way of questioning someone's audacity.

how dare you

Expresses outrage and challenges the appropriateness of someone's actions.

what is your basis for

Requests the fundamental reason or principle behind an action or belief.

what empowers you to

Focuses on the source of power or enablement for a specific action.

who authorized you to

Specifically asks about the person or entity that granted permission.

FAQs

How can I use "by what right" in a sentence?

Use "by what right" to challenge the justification or authority behind an action or decision. For example, "By what right do you enter my private office without knocking?"

What are some alternatives to "by what right"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "on what authority", "what gives you the right", or "under what justification".

Is "by what right" formal or informal?

"By what right" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it generally carries a tone of challenge or questioning of authority, making it more suited for situations where you want to express disagreement or demand justification.

What's the difference between "by what right" and "what is the justification"?

"By what right" directly challenges the legitimacy or authority behind an action, whereas "what is the justification" is a more neutral request for the reasons or rationale behind it. The former implies skepticism or disapproval.