compete for authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compete for authority" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts where individuals or groups are vying for power, control, or influence over a particular domain or situation. Example: "In the corporate world, various departments often compete for authority over budget allocations and project priorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Local actors like mayors, kinship networks, and armed militias compete for authority in the vacuum and "the result is growing chaos throughout the West Bank," the report said.

The New York Times

Objections to the theory of evolution motivate various groups to compete for authority over the biological sciences in our nation's classrooms.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The keys, she says, are to speed up ("Prioritize what you want to say, and get to the point"), bring solutions — not problems, do your homework ("Advancers like to use their time wisely and really don't like walking through your thought process with you"), don't get mushy or compete for authority, and — first and foremost — get sh*t done.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Under Mr. Arafat, local figures like mayors, kinship networks and armed militias competed for authority in the vacuum.

The New York Times

It shows that due to intense competition between religious groups in our multi-faith societies, religious groups are now competing for authority over the supernatural by 'branding' their particular type of exorcism ritual in order to validate the strength of their own belief system.

Springer

Other scholars found that the state might also develop roles by cooperating at a trans-governmental level, by developing new institutions based on practices and rules introduced by the private governance, or by competing for ruling authority (Lawrence et al., 2012; Smith and Fischlein 2010; von Geibler 2013).

Asian Journal of Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Thus normative and empirical statements should not be seen as competing for justificatory authority in ethical decisions, and hence there is not necessarily any danger of running into the naturalistic fallacy (see above).

BMC Medical Ethics

For example, the functional bureaus only need to use their professional authority to compete for the subordinate's attention without resorting to other authorities.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Functional bureaus bypass the immediate authority to compete for the party committee's attention, forming a working model that is party committee-led, and in which the government takes responsibility and functional bureaus coordinate.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Specifically, the provincial Bureau of Justice does not choose to use professional authority but bypasses it to compete for the provincial government's attention and put pressure on local subordinate governments and bureaus by means of the authority status of the provincial party committee and the provincial government.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

The Afghans, who are also ethnic Pathans, compete for jobs and are said by the authorities to be involved in arms and drug trafficking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "compete for authority" to clearly describe situations where different entities are vying for control or influence in a specific domain. Ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "compete for authority" in casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase is more appropriate for formal or analytical contexts where the struggle for power is a central theme.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compete for authority" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating an active struggle or rivalry for control or influence. It is commonly used to describe situations where multiple entities are vying for dominance, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compete for authority" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe situations where individuals or groups are actively striving for control or influence. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is suitable for formal and analytical contexts, such as news reporting and academic discussions. While not extremely common, its use is appropriate when highlighting power dynamics and competitive pursuits. Related phrases like "vie for control" or "contend for power" can serve as alternatives depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compete for dominance

Similar to "struggle for dominance", but uses compete instead of struggle.

vie for control

Focuses on the act of striving for control, emphasizing a direct contest.

fight for control

Focuses on the struggle for control, similar to "vie for control" but more aggressive.

contend for power

Highlights the struggle for power, suggesting a more forceful competition.

contest for leadership

Specifically addresses the competition to become a leader.

rival for influence

Emphasizes the competitive pursuit of influence, often in a subtle manner.

clash for power

Highlights a direct confrontation or conflict in the pursuit of power.

struggle for dominance

Indicates a fight for overall superiority or command.

jockey for position

Implies maneuvering to gain a better standing or advantage.

battle for supremacy

Suggests a fierce and intense conflict for ultimate power.

FAQs

How can I use "compete for authority" in a sentence?

Use "compete for authority" to describe situations where individuals or groups are striving for control or dominance. For example, "Local actors "compete for authority" in the absence of a strong central government".

What are some alternatives to "compete for authority"?

You can use alternatives like "vie for control", "contend for power", or "rival for influence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is "compete for authority" most appropriate?

"Compete for authority" is suitable for formal and analytical writing, especially when discussing political science, organizational behavior, or historical power struggles. It is less appropriate for informal or casual contexts.

Is "compete for authority" a formal or informal expression?

"Compete for authority" is a more formal expression. In less formal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "fight for control" or "struggle for power" if the context allows.