enforce authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enforce authority" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to use power or influence to ensure that rules, laws, or commands are followed. Example: The new principal was determined to enforce authority and maintain discipline in the school.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

After his conversion, the new religion became implicated in the machinations of power, and the decades that followed saw an increased need to define belief and enforce authority.

The Guardian - Opinion

Estlund uses normative consent theory as the basis for an account of democratic legitimacy, understood as the permissibility of using coercion to enforce authority.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The lack of a common rule-making and enforcing authority means, they argue, that the international arena is essentially a self-help system.

SEP

Sometimes worldly rulers draw on religious symbolism to enforce their authority, impress their subjects or legitimise war.

The Economist

This move was its first attempt to enforce some authority in the north, and took most western states by surprise.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thus the princes, in trying to enforce their authority, tended to consolidate the opposition and to excite potential or open hostility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In practice, however, the guidance served more as a directive, as the president was able to use the envoys to enforce presidential authority over the regional governments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When a new, assertive Laotian government sent troops to enforce its authority over the provinces in 1958 59, civil war appeared inevitable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is no less important to have people who are willing to act on behalf of the international community to enforce that authority, by force if necessary.

The Guardian

One of Mr. Kostunica's main challenges, Mr. Tijanic said, is to enforce his authority over the opposition coalition and prevent any revolutionary bypassing of the law.

The New York Times

Even as Mr. Xi has sought to prepare some reforms to expose China's economy to stronger market forces, he has undertaken a "mass line" campaign to enforce party authority that goes beyond the party's periodic calls for discipline.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or governmental contexts, use "enforce authority" to convey the act of ensuring laws or regulations are followed. For more general contexts, consider alternative phrases like "exercise authority" or "assert authority" to better suit the tone.

Common error

Avoid using "enforce authority" in casual or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or authoritarian. Instead, opt for more relatable terms like "take charge" or "set boundaries".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enforce authority" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of compelling obedience to rules, laws, or commands. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and found in various reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

32%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "enforce authority" is a grammatically correct verb phrase that means to ensure laws, rules, or commands are obeyed, often through the use of power or coercion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and use in various reliable sources. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in contexts related to news, science, and encyclopedias, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context to avoid sounding overly authoritarian, and alternative phrases like "exercise authority" or "assert authority" might be more suitable for certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apply authority

This alternative focuses on the act of using the power one possesses.

exercise authority

This phrase highlights the practical application and implementation of authority.

exert authority

Similar to 'exercise authority' but can imply a greater degree of effort or force.

implement authority

Focuses on putting authority into effect or action.

impose authority

Highlights a forceful introduction or application of authority.

maintain authority

This suggests keeping authority in place, rather than initially enacting it.

assert authority

This emphasizes a forceful declaration or demonstration of power.

uphold authority

Implies a defense or maintenance of existing authority.

reinforce authority

Suggests strengthening or reaffirming existing authority.

administer authority

Focuses on the management and application of authority.

FAQs

What does "enforce authority" mean?

The phrase "enforce authority" means to ensure that power, rules, or laws are obeyed and implemented, often involving actions to make people comply.

How can I use "enforce authority" in a sentence?

You might say, "The government must "enforce authority" to maintain order" or "The manager needed to "enforce authority" to improve team performance".

What are some alternatives to "enforce authority"?

You can use alternatives like "exercise authority", "assert authority", or "implement authority" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "enforce authority" and "exercise authority"?

"Enforce authority" implies ensuring compliance with rules or laws, while "exercise authority" refers more broadly to using one's power or influence.