degree of authority

USAGE SUMMARY

"degree of authority" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when discussing a level of power or influence someone has. For example: "The mayor had a certain degree of authority over the town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This degree of authority is only rarely achieved in scholarship today, but it will become routine.

The New York Times - Magazine

He runs a country where the 1.1 million-member military wields a disproportionate degree of authority.

The New York Times

One major strand of the novel does read with a degree of authority and even originality.

The New York Times - Books

Even the most modern of managers must inevitably exercise some degree of authority some of the time.

Harvard Business Review

"He brought a degree of authority to his group and led his party to a historic high water mark.

The Guardian

When local management is relatively autonomous, it may be necessary to give the global brand manager or team a significant degree of authority.

Harvard Business Review

The problem itself The nature of the problem may determine what degree of authority should be delegated by managers to their subordinates.

Harvard Business Review

Tribal sheikhs, therefore, maintain a high degree of authority within the tribe and a considerable degree of influence over local and national events.

Britannica

President Clinton entrusted his vice president with an extraordinary degree of authority to manage one of the most important accounts in American diplomacy.

The New York Times

Each type of action is related to the degree of authority used by the boss and to the amount of freedom available to subordinates in reaching decisions.

Harvard Business Review

These are the words of someone winging it right now, but I'm hoping to pick up a degree of authority as we go on.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by sometimes using synonyms like "level of control" or "extent of power" to avoid repetition and enhance the flow of your writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a high "degree of authority" automatically implies competence or ethical behavior. Authority only denotes the power to make decisions, not necessarily the wisdom or integrity to make the right ones.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "degree of authority" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe the extent or level of power and control someone or something possesses, as demonstrated in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "degree of authority" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase, as Ludwig AI indicates, to describe the extent of power or control held by an individual or entity. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, suggesting a broad applicability in formal and neutral registers. While grammatically straightforward, understanding the implications and appropriate contexts for its use is essential. Remember that having a high "degree of authority" does not automatically imply competence or ethical behavior. To enhance writing, consider using synonyms such as "level of control" or "extent of power" to provide variety and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

level of control

Focuses on the extent of power to direct or determine outcomes, rather than formal authorization.

extent of power

Emphasizes the range or magnitude of influence one possesses.

scope of influence

Highlights the breadth of impact one can exert on others or situations.

amount of sway

Indicates the degree of persuasion or control over opinions or actions.

magnitude of command

Refers to the scale or importance of one's directive capabilities.

measure of jurisdiction

Indicates the extent of legal or administrative power to govern.

range of prerogative

Emphasizes the scope of exclusive rights or privileges.

strength of dominion

Highlights the intensity of power or control over a territory or people.

capacity for leadership

Focuses on the ability to guide and direct others, which can be related to authority.

sphere of competence

Refers to the specific area within which one has recognized expertise and authority.

FAQs

How can I use "degree of authority" in a sentence?

You can use "degree of authority" to describe the level of control or power someone has, such as: "The manager had a high degree of authority over project decisions" or "The president delegated a significant degree of authority to the vice president".

What phrases are similar to "degree of authority"?

Similar phrases include "level of control", "extent of power", and "scope of influence". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a high degree of authority"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. "High", "low", "significant", and "limited" are all common adjectives used to modify "degree of authority" to specify the extent of control being discussed.

What's the difference between "degree of authority" and "degree of autonomy"?

"Degree of authority" refers to the power or control one has over others or situations, while "degree of autonomy" refers to the level of independence or self-governance one possesses. They are related but distinct concepts; someone with a high degree of authority may or may not have a high "degree of autonomy".