delegated authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delegated authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone has been given the power or responsibility to act on behalf of another person or organization. Example: "The manager has delegated authority to the team leader to make decisions regarding project deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Jasanoff (2003), for instance, argues that it 'makes sense to look at expertise as a form of delegated authority, similar to the delegations that legislatures make to administrative agencies.' There are also risks attached to incorporating expert judgment in the science-policy process.

Environmental Management

Congress may review any actions performed by a delegated authority; and in some areas of delegated legislation, such as in proposals for governmental reorganization, Congress must indicate approval of specific plans before they go into effect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He delegated authority to his staff.

The New York Times

Barack Obama delegated authority to Kerry to make the determination.

The Guardian

Sanders's role model is Bobby Bowden, his coach at Florida State, who delegated authority.

The New York Times - Sports

Kings had their own seals, and high officials could hold the king's seal as a mark of delegated authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Loyal lobbyists were rewarded with earmarks, leadership support for special amendments and the delegated authority to write legislative provisions.

The New York Times

The joining of delegated authority to accountability is the theme that runs through Bush's ideas about policy, politics and governance.

The New York Times - Magazine

Suitable specialists (including the management adviser) were found for all the components and armed with the delegated authority they needed.

The Guardian - Business

Wherever he operated, Kennedy delegated authority to a posse of loyalists he'd met long ago back East.

The New York Times - Books

Several senior officials were out of the office, Mr. Prendergast said, including Jay H. Walder, the chairman of the authority, who delegated authority to Mr. Prendergast.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "delegated authority", ensure the context clearly identifies both the delegator and the delegatee to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify who is delegating the authority and to whom it is being delegated.

Common error

Avoid using "delegated authority" as a means to abdicate responsibility. Delegating authority means assigning tasks and decision-making power, but the delegator remains accountable for the overall outcome. Follow-up and provide support to ensure proper execution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delegated authority" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. Based on Ludwig AI, it commonly indicates the assignment of power or responsibility from one entity to another. For instance, Congress may review any actions performed by a delegated authority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "delegated authority" is a noun phrase that signifies the assignment of power or responsibility, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical status is correct, and its frequency is very common, especially in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When writing, ensure clarity in specifying who is delegating and who is receiving the authority. While alternatives like "assigned authority" or "transferred authority" exist, "delegated authority" is particularly suitable for formal and precise communication. Avoid confusing delegation with abdication of responsibility. Overall, the phrase is widely used and well-understood, making it a valuable term in professional and academic discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Assigned authority

Focuses on the act of assigning power or responsibility.

Transferred authority

Highlights the movement of power from one entity to another.

Granted authority

Emphasizes the act of bestowing power or permission.

Entrusted authority

Stresses the element of trust in the delegation process.

Devolved authority

Implies a spreading or decentralization of power.

Authorized power

Uses "power" instead of "authority", focusing on the ability to act.

Commissioned power

Emphasizes the formal assignment of power for a specific task.

Relegated authority

Indicates authority that has been passed down to a lower level.

Designated authority

Focuses on the specific identification of who holds the authority.

Vested authority

Implies that the authority is inherent or officially conferred.

FAQs

How to use "delegated authority" in a sentence?

You can use "delegated authority" to describe situations where someone is given the power to act on behalf of another. For example, "The manager "delegated authority" to the team leader to make decisions regarding project deadlines."

What can I say instead of "delegated authority"?

You can use alternatives like "assigned authority", "transferred authority", or "authorized power" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "delegated authority" and "assigned responsibility"?

"Delegated authority" implies the power to make decisions and take actions, while "assigned responsibility" simply means being accountable for a task. You can have responsibility without authority, but delegated authority always comes with responsibility.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the term "delegated authority"?

The term "delegated authority" is appropriate in formal settings, such as business, government, and legal contexts, where the specific assignment of power and decision-making is important. It's also relevant in discussions of ethics and accountability.