chief authority

USAGE SUMMARY

"chief authority" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You could use it to refer to someone or something that has ultimate power in a certain context. For example, "The chief authority on environmental issues in our country is the Department of the Environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The chief authority in the Old Catholic churches is the conference of bishops.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Lay down and be still!" said Yamilette Diego, a chief authority figure in his life.

The New York Times

Throughout the antique revival of the Renaissance, the classical phase of the Baroque, and in the Neoclassical period, his work was the chief authority on ancient classical architecture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Application to hold the Games is made by the chief authority of the city, with the support of the national government.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This unfinished work in five books continues the work of Procopius, the Byzantine historian and statesman, and stands as the chief authority for the period 552 558.

Britannica

Caesar is the chief authority, but he may have received some of his facts from the Stoic philosopher Poseidonius, whose account is often confirmed by early medieval Irish sagas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

His chief authorities in the Latin Christian Tradition were the works of the Fathers, chiefly Augustine (especially his De Genesi ad litteram), Ambrose, Hilary of Poitiers, and Jerome.

SEP

In Pakistan's insurgency-plagued northwest, two roadside bombings Saturday killed three people, including a district police chief, authorities said.

Los Angeles Times

Country singer Glen Campbell, whose hits include "Rhinestone Cowboy," allegedly struck a car while driving drunk and left the scene, then later kneed a police officer while demanding to see the police chief, authorities in Phoenix said Tuesday.

Los Angeles Times

The chief authorities of AMCD and SNEM approved the materials and methods used in this manuscript.

BMC Public Health

"The memo espoused an extreme and virtually unlimited theory of the extent of the President's Commander-in-Chief authority," Mora wrote in his account.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chief authority", ensure the context clearly defines the area in which the authority is considered 'chief'. For instance, specify "chief authority on ancient classical architecture" rather than just "chief authority".

Common error

Avoid using "chief authority" when referring to someone with broad influence but not ultimate decision-making power. The phrase implies a definitive level of control or expertise within a specific domain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chief authority" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object. Ludwig AI indicates it's a valid and common phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

25%

News & Media

45%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chief authority" is a valid and commonly used noun phrase that designates the individual or entity with the highest level of power, control, or expertise within a specific domain. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While versatile, it's essential to ensure the context clarifies the scope of the authority being referenced. Alternatives like "primary authority" or "leading expert" may be more appropriate depending on the intended nuance. The phrase is frequently found in news media and encyclopedic sources, indicating a generally neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary authority

Replaces "chief" with "primary", keeping the meaning very close.

main source

Focuses on the origin or provider of something essential, rather than direct control.

principal source

Similar to "main source", but slightly more formal.

leading expert

Highlights expertise and knowledge more than control.

top expert

Indicates the highest level of expertise.

ultimate decision-maker

Emphasizes the power to make final decisions.

supreme commander

Implies a military context and absolute control.

key figure

Identifies an important person, but not necessarily the one in charge.

central figure

Similar to "key figure", emphasizing importance and centrality.

head honcho

More informal, suggesting a leader in a casual setting.

FAQs

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

You can use "chief authority" to refer to someone or something with ultimate power in a certain context. For instance, "The archbishop is the "chief authority" in the Old Catholic churches" or "The Department of Health is the "chief authority" on health issues".

What are some alternatives to "chief authority"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "primary authority", "leading expert", or "ultimate decision-maker".

Which is correct: "chief authority" or "main authority"?

Both ""chief authority"" and "main authority" are correct, but ""chief authority"" implies a higher degree of power or expertise. "Main authority" suggests simply the primary or most important one.

What's the difference between "chief authority" and "key figure"?

"Chief authority" implies the person has the ultimate decision-making power within a specific context. A "key figure", on the other hand, is simply an important person, not necessarily the one in charge.