devolve authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devolve authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the transfer or delegation of power or decision-making responsibilities from a higher authority to a lower one. Example: "The organization decided to devolve authority to local branches to enhance decision-making efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"My desire to devolve authority has nothing to do with a wish to shirk responsibility," he said, according to a prepared text of his speech.

The New York Times

In China, the decision to devolve authority over forests to local communities and households came less from a belief in rights and more from realities.

The Guardian

"My desire to devolve authority has nothing to do with a wish to shirk responsibility," he said.

BBC

Holding together federal political orders develop from unitary states, as governments devolve authority to alleviate threats of unrest or secession by territorially clustered minorities.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

That is why we are decentralising and devolving authority away from Whitehall to the frontline.

The Guardian

And, of course, devolving authority to local churches has empowered conservative as well as liberal voices.

The Guardian

In 1969, the Labour Gov't set up a Royal Commission on the Constitution to consider the case for devolving authority to the regions.

The New Yorker

They gave enough ground to get Clinton's signature and thus triumphed on their central goal: eliminating the federal entitlement to cash assistance, setting time limits on benefits, and devolving authority to the states.

Princeton University

Among other potential solutions, Naylor and her coauthors suggest Indonesia's Village Law of 2014, which devolves authority over economic development to the local level, be re-drafted to enforce existing environmental laws explicitly.

Stanford University

He argues that the relative harmony of the Turkish empire arose from the rulers' decision to administer it on sectarian lines, devolving authority to the leaders of the numerous faith communities, or "millets".

The Guardian - Books

It might make sense, in the abstract, for McMaster to talk about "devolving" authority to the State Department, but there essentially was no State Department anymore: under the absentee leadership of Tillerson, six of the top nine positions at the department were empty, and numerous critical ambassadorial posts remained unfilled.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devolve authority", ensure it's clear to whom the authority is being transferred. Specifying the recipient avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "devolve authority" when the intention is simply to delegate tasks without transferring decision-making power. Delegation involves assigning tasks, while devolving authority means transferring the actual power to make decisions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devolve authority" functions as a verb phrase with a noun, indicating the action of transferring or delegating power. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devolve authority" accurately describes the transfer of power from a central entity to local or regional bodies. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and correctly applied in news, science, and academic contexts. While less common, the phrase is best used when a lasting change in decision-making power is intended, differing from simple task delegation. Alternatives like "delegate authority" or "transfer power" can be used depending on the nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Delegate authority

Emphasizes the act of entrusting authority to another.

Transfer power

Focuses on the shifting of power from one entity to another.

Decentralize control

Highlights the distribution of control away from a central point.

Assign responsibility

Emphasizes the allocation of duties and accountability.

Empower subordinates

Focuses on enabling individuals to act autonomously.

Grant autonomy

Highlights the bestowal of self-governance.

Hand over control

Implies a complete relinquishing of control.

Cede power

Suggests a formal or reluctant relinquishing of power.

Bestow authority

Implies a formal or ceremonial granting of authority.

Pass down power

Focuses on the generational transfer of power or authority.

FAQs

What does "devolve authority" mean?

"Devolve authority" means to transfer or delegate power or decision-making responsibilities from a higher authority to a lower one.

How is "devolve authority" different from "delegate authority"?

While both involve assigning responsibility, "devolve authority" suggests a more permanent transfer of power, whereas "delegate authority" might be for a specific task or period.

What are some synonyms for "devolve authority"?

Alternatives include "transfer power", "decentralize control", or "assign responsibility" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "devolve authority" in writing?

Use "devolve authority" when describing situations where a significant degree of decision-making power is being permanently shifted to a lower level or different entity, often in the context of political or organizational restructuring.