effective authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "effective authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person or organization that has the power and capability to make decisions or enforce rules effectively. Example: "The committee acted as an effective authority in implementing the new regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Rampant individualism and a rights culture have broken down these social networks and eroded effective authority.

The Guardian

At the same time, he tried to give more effective authority to Egyptian political institutions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The importance of Mr. Hammud's statement lay in the fact that Syria holds effective authority over Lebanon.

The New York Times

He had effective authority to prosecute civil servants and other public officials including, on occasion, ministers themselves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Luna retained effective authority during most of the reign, but in 1453 he incurred the king's wrath and was summarily executed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A state driven by expertise, with more and more effective authority placed in the hands of the managerial and administrative élite, could only be checked and balanced by emphatic displays of the popular will.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Our maps show a world of about 200 countries, but the number of effective authorities is hundreds more.

The New York Times

A rush of activity last year in East Quogue -- neighborhood spying, morning police raids and, perhaps most effective, authorities' use of a television documentary by Barbara Kopple to identify offenders -- has led to a crackdown on Hamptons share houses this year.

The New York Times - Travel

Justified authority is what effective authorities claim, or what they are generally recognized to have.

SEP

Control-words Effective authorities (CEOs, police, etc).

Huffington Post

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Russia could deal only with "legitimate and effective authorities - a leadership which people aren't wiping their feet on like a doormat".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "effective authority", ensure that the context clearly indicates the scope and limits of that authority. For example, specify whether the authority is limited to a particular area or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "effective authority" when you actually mean legitimate authority. "Effective authority" simply means the authority is capable of producing the desired effect, while legitimate authority refers to authority that is recognized and accepted as rightful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "effective authority" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "effective" modifies the noun "authority". It describes a state of having the power to produce a desired effect or result, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "effective authority" is a phrase used to describe a person or entity with the power to produce a desired outcome, widely used in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. When using "effective authority", distinguish it from legitimate authority, which implies recognized and accepted power. Consider alternatives like "real power" or "competent jurisdiction" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practical control

Highlights the hands-on aspect of the authority, suggesting direct management.

real power

Uses the word "power" instead of "authority", emphasizing the actual ability to influence events.

prevailing influence

Highlights how authority can also derive from an influence that is stronger than everything else.

competent jurisdiction

Replaces "authority" with "jurisdiction", indicating the extent of control or power.

workable power

Focuses on the functionality and applicability of the power held.

genuine influence

Substitutes "authority" with "influence", highlighting the capacity to affect someone or something.

active leadership

Emphasizes the proactive and engaged role of the authority figure.

operative command

Emphasizes the active and functional nature of the authority in question.

functional dominance

Conveys the idea of authority through the lens of practical superiority or control.

efficient rule

Replaces "authority" with "rule", emphasizing the system or method of governance.

FAQs

How to use "effective authority" in a sentence?

You can use "effective authority" to describe someone or something that has the power and capability to make decisions or enforce rules efficiently. For example: "The general held "effective authority" over the troops."

What can I say instead of "effective authority"?

You can use alternatives like "real power", "competent jurisdiction", or "genuine influence" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "effective authority" and "legitimate authority"?

"Effective authority" refers to the ability to exert control and achieve desired outcomes, whereas "legitimate authority" implies that the power is recognized and accepted as rightful.

Is "effective authority" the same as "efficient authority"?

While both terms imply a positive attribute of authority, "effective authority" emphasizes the ability to produce a desired result, while "efficient authority" suggests that the authority achieves its goals with minimal waste or effort.