displays of authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "displays of authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or behaviors that demonstrate power or control, often in a leadership or authoritative context. Example: "The manager's displays of authority during the meeting left no doubt about who was in charge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

There were no fights or struggles, no displays of authority and no moments of increased love and affection.

The Guardian - Arts

Her public displays of authority and ambition, unheard of just five years ago when political wives were little more than decorations to power, seem to have set off a movement.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Having survived their poor start, United flourished to eventually give a display of authority.

The Guardian - Sport

The rules forbid that extra display of authority, now that Mr. Lawlor has been downgraded to first officer.

The New York Times

It's a public display of authority calling attention to the preacher's mysterious abilities in a way that will almost certainly bring catastrophe down on the town.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The penalty was much harsher than expected, a display of authority seemingly intended to sideline Mr. Malema in South Africa's fractious political debate and shore up President Jacob Zuma's expected bid next year for a second term in office.

The New York Times

Dispensing with Sir Alex Ferguson's backroom staff might have been part of 'the act', the display of authority to bring the stars in his dressing room to heel, but without victories there was only vulnerability.

BBC

Why such a dishonest display of authority?" Sixteen years -- of war -- later, I remain transfixed by that question.

Huffington Post

After comparisons with findings from other team members, interpretations were confirmed in the following structure: (a) introduction of and reactions to the VHT programme, (b) VHT selection, (c) community disappointment with and resentment of the VHTs, (d) VHT adaptation in response to community resentment and (e) VHT display of authority and its impact on community trust.

Human Resources for Health

Reviewing the film in The New York Times, Bosley Crowther described it as a paean to filial piety and a "blissfully comforting display of the authority which a strongminded papa has over 12 respectful kids".

The New York Times - Arts

In any case, this just makes the foundation and the Sheik look rather silly and petty; they'd have been far better off letting the filmmaker show his film wherever he wants, outside Sharjah — unless they really don't care about appearances and just want to make a public display of their authority.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "displays of authority" when you want to emphasize the visible or outward manifestations of power or control, especially in a social or hierarchical context. It suggests actions or behaviors that are meant to assert dominance or enforce rules.

Common error

Avoid using "displays of authority" to describe simple aggressive acts that lack a clear hierarchical or rule-enforcement component. The phrase implies a structured power dynamic, not just random acts of force.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "displays of authority" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes instances where authority is visibly demonstrated. Ludwig examples show it used to describe actions by political figures, leaders, or entities seeking to assert control or influence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "displays of authority" is a noun phrase used to describe visible demonstrations of power or control. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While versatile, it's important to ensure that the phrase accurately reflects the intentional assertion of power, rather than simple aggression. Alternatives such as "exhibitions of power" or "demonstrations of control" can offer nuanced alternatives to fit specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exhibitions of power

Replaces "displays" with "exhibitions", emphasizing the outward presentation of power.

demonstrations of control

Substitutes "displays of authority" with "demonstrations of control", focusing on the act of exerting control.

shows of dominance

Uses "shows of dominance" instead of "displays of authority", highlighting the aspect of asserting dominance.

assertions of power

Replaces the original phrase with "assertions of power", concentrating on the act of claiming power.

exercises of control

Emphasizes the practical application of authority through "exercises of control".

manifestations of authority

Uses "manifestations" to describe how authority is outwardly shown or demonstrated.

expressions of command

Replaces authority with command which describes the act of directing or ordering.

public assertion of power

Adds "public" to specify that the assertion of power is done openly.

overt demonstrations of authority

Adds overt to stress on the obvious and open nature of the demonstrations.

formal exhibitions of power

Adds formal to specify the display of power.

FAQs

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

You can use "displays of authority" to describe situations where someone is outwardly demonstrating their power or control. For example, "The manager's displays of authority during the meeting left no doubt about who was in charge."

What are some alternatives to "displays of authority"?

Some alternatives include "exhibitions of power", "demonstrations of control", or "shows of dominance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "displays of authority" and "abuse of power"?

"Displays of authority" can refer to legitimate uses of power, while "abuse of power" always implies an unethical or illegal use of one's position. The key difference lies in the legitimacy and ethical considerations of the actions.

Is "displays of authority" formal or informal language?

"Displays of authority" is generally considered neutral to formal language, suitable for use in news articles, academic papers, and professional settings. More informal alternatives might include "power plays" or "bossing around".