claim authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "claim authority" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of asserting control or power over a situation, role, or subject matter. Example: "In order to lead the project effectively, she needed to claim authority over the team's decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

No one believed more passionately in this version of "Whig principles" than Thomas Jefferson, who, as the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, could plausibly claim authority on the matter.

The New Yorker

Pegler, in an early column, had written, "I claim authority to speak for the rabble because I am a member of the rabble in good standing".

The New Yorker

Like church authorities claiming to speak for God, environmentalists claim authority by speaking for nature and translating what the Earth is "telling" us.

The New York Times

Editors are looking for writers who can claim authority on a topic that will charge through the news cycle like a lightning bolt.

The Guardian - Opinion

Griffith's contribution to the show will be a performance piece about the tensions over who gets to claim authority over carnival: police, spectators or the masquerade performers.

The Guardian

This disengagement, and the scepticism that drives it, is often seen as damaging to democratic governments that claim authority based on popular support.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The story cites witnesses who claim authorities have arrested area youth and brought them to detention centers where their heads were shaved.

Huffington Post

Holder's speech does not materially limit that claimed authority.

The Guardian - Opinion

The European Union has now claimed authority over the country, and the United States has yielded.

The New York Times

At a minimum, we cannot have a serious debate about this critical issue unless the government is more forthcoming in defining the limits of its claimed authority.

The New York Times

He founded a line of Amorite rulers of whom the first five claimed authority over the city of Ur to the south.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "claim authority", ensure it's clear on what basis the authority is being claimed. Providing context enhances clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "claim authority" without providing a valid justification. Overstating the claim or lacking evidence weakens your argument and undermines your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "claim authority" functions as a verb phrase where "claim" is the verb expressing the action of asserting, and "authority" is the noun representing the power or right being asserted. Ludwig provides various examples demonstrating this function in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "claim authority" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the act of asserting one's power or right to control, as affirmed by Ludwig. It's often found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While its use is broad, providing clear justification strengthens the claim. Related phrases include "assert dominance" and "exercise power", each with slightly different nuances. Always provide context to avoid overstating the basis of authority. This ensures your message is clear and credible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise power

Emphasizes the active use of existing power.

take control

Highlights the act of assuming command or management.

assert dominance

Focuses more directly on establishing superiority and control.

maintain authority

This focuses on keeping or upholding power.

profess authority

This signifies declaring or stating one's power.

assume control

Focuses on taking responsibility and leadership.

lay claim to

Emphasizes asserting ownership or a right to something.

establish jurisdiction

Relates specifically to legal or territorial control.

arrogate power

Suggests seizing power without justification.

stake a claim

Implies asserting a right or entitlement.

FAQs

How to use "claim authority" in a sentence?

You can use "claim authority" when someone is asserting power or control, such as "The government can't justly "claim authority" unless based on the will of the people."

What can I say instead of "claim authority"?

You can use alternatives like "assert dominance", "exercise power", or "take control" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "claims authority" instead of "claim authority"?

Yes, "claims authority" is correct when referring to a singular subject, while "claim authority" is used for plural subjects or in the infinitive form. For example, "He claims authority" vs. "They claim authority".

What's the difference between "claim authority" and "assert authority"?

"Claim authority" implies stating or declaring one's right to power, while "assert authority" suggests actively using or enforcing that power. The nuance lies in declaration versus action.