challenge to authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenge to authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing dissent, rebellion, or questioning established power structures. Example: "The protest was a significant challenge to authority, as citizens demanded accountability from their leaders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Such a public challenge to authority would be alarming on even a bad team.

The New York Times - Sports

They have livelihoods to defend, even if the challenge to authority highlights golf's enslavement to the money list.

Independent

Remembering the Boxer Rebellion, an imperfect analogy, Communism's leaders see the Falun Gong as a challenge to authority.

The New York Times

His biographer, Jad Adams, wrote: "Benn's great continuous achievement is the endurance of his challenge to authority.

The Guardian

Industrial relations in Germany reflect a respect for employee rights and a preference for negotiation rather than open conflict or challenge to authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Indeed, she distrusted the challenge to authority and feared the disorder that either extreme evangelical zeal or extreme Catholic zeal could cause.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The flow of new European recruits to the fight has slowed to a trickle this year after posing a major challenge to authorities in recent years.

The Washington Post

This means Australian Uber car drivers are effectively operating a black market in what is a direct challenge to authorities.

Vice

"Killing many" had not worked to reduce crime, and could lead to challenges to authority.

The Economist

This police force and this military can only respond with brutal force to challenges to authority.

The Guardian - Opinion

Challenges to authority have rarely been met with a promise of consensus or inclusion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "challenge to authority", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific authority is being challenged and the nature of the challenge. For example, specify if it is a "legal challenge to authority" or a "moral challenge to authority".

Common error

Avoid using "challenge to authority" without specifying the relevant authority. For instance, instead of stating "the group posed a challenge to authority", clarify which authority they challenged, such as "the group posed a challenge to the local government's authority".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenge to authority" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an instance of questioning, resisting, or opposing established power or control. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

16%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "challenge to authority" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes instances of questioning or resisting established power. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability across various writing styles. While grammatically sound and frequently found in news, encyclopedias, and academic texts, it's important to ensure that you clearly specify which authority is being challenged to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "defiance of authority" or "resistance to authority", depending on the desired nuance. When writing, be specific to make your writing clear and compelling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defiance of authority

This phrase emphasizes the act of openly resisting or disobeying authority.

resistance to authority

This suggests a more sustained and active opposition to authority.

rebellion against authority

This indicates a more forceful and organized uprising against authority.

opposition to authority

This is a general term for disagreeing with or acting against authority.

contestation of authority

This phrase implies a formal or intellectual challenge to the legitimacy of authority.

subversion of authority

This suggests an attempt to undermine or overthrow authority.

questioning of authority

This emphasizes the act of critically examining and scrutinizing authority.

disobedience to authority

This refers to the act of failing to comply with the commands or rules of authority.

insurrection against authority

This phrase suggests a violent uprising against established power.

undermining of authority

This denotes actions or events that weaken or erode authority.

FAQs

How can I use "challenge to authority" in a sentence?

You can use "challenge to authority" to describe situations where someone or a group questions or resists established power. For instance, "The student's protest was a direct challenge to the school's authority".

What are some alternatives to saying "challenge to authority"?

You can use alternatives like "defiance of authority", "resistance to authority", or "rebellion against authority depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "challenge to authority" in formal writing?

Yes, "challenge to authority" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly when discussing political science, sociology, or historical events. However, ensure the context is clear and the term is used accurately.

What's the difference between "challenge to authority" and "appeal to authority"?

"Challenge to authority" refers to questioning or resisting established power, while "appeal to authority" involves using the endorsement of an authority figure to support an argument or claim. They are opposite concepts.