enjoyed authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enjoyed authority" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who had a lot of power or influence. For example, "The king enjoyed great authority in his kingdom."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Furthermore, according to one chronicler, the Saxon Widukind, he had already become emperor because he had subjected other peoples and enjoyed authority in more than one kingdom.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

What they haven't had before is the chance to hear their peers disapprove of bad behavior, to see teenagers who carry that message enjoying authority and respect, and to become one of those people themselves.

The New York Times

Having a position that enjoys authority; possessing a personality that is astute enough to maximize the use of that authority; and operating at a point in history where one's actions have the chance to be pivotal — all these are important ingredients in the power mix.

The New York Times

Is the main problem that they enjoy authority which needs justification, or that they are perceived as potentially exercising unjustified coercion?

SEP

Raz, however, denies that the subjects of any existing state or indeed anything remotely like it have a general duty to obey the law; rather, law's authority is piecemeal, both with respect to who has a moral duty to obey a particular law and with respect to the number of laws within a given legal system that enjoy authority over anyone.

SEP

I liked him because he allowed me to explore the notion of authority — he's someone who enjoys authority and holds onto it at all costs.

Los Angeles Times

They enjoy authorities that they really shouldn't be entitled to.

The Guardian

"He is a former prosecutor, he enjoyed some authority, and that dictated his behavior.

The New York Times

Among the Gentile congregations, the Apostles sent by Jesus enjoyed supreme authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Vasubandhu's shastra enjoyed such authority that he was eventually considered a patriarch of the Pure Land school of Buddhism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Joseph's father, John V, enriched by the gold and diamonds of Brazil, had enjoyed unchallenged authority and gave Joseph no responsibility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "enjoyed authority" to describe individuals, institutions, or systems that historically held significant power or influence. It's effective when discussing past events or regimes.

Common error

Avoid using "enjoyed authority" to describe abstract concepts or inanimate objects. Authority is typically associated with entities capable of exercising control or influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enjoyed authority" functions as a verb phrase complemented by a noun, indicating a state of possessing and benefiting from power or control in the past. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

35%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "enjoyed authority" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that describes a past state of possessing power or influence. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is suitable for describing historical figures or institutions. Its usage spans across encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications, reflecting its versatility. While primarily neutral, its formality can increase depending on the context. Be mindful of avoiding misattributions by using it with entities capable of exerting control. Alternatives like "wielded power" or "held sway" can offer nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

held authority

A more direct and literal synonym, emphasizing the possession of legitimate power.

had control

Simple and direct way to express having authority or influence.

wielded power

Implies the active use of power or influence.

exerted influence

Similar to 'wielded power', but focuses more on indirect effects.

exercised control

Focuses on the act of maintaining and directing influence.

held sway

Suggests a dominant influence or control over something or someone.

possessed influence

Highlights the inherent capacity to affect someone or something.

commanded respect

Emphasizes the ability to inspire deference and admiration.

maintained dominance

Suggests an ongoing effort to keep a position of power.

reigned supreme

Indicates ultimate authority and dominance.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "enjoyed authority" in a sentence?

Use "enjoyed authority" to describe someone or something that had power or influence. For example, "The emperor "enjoyed authority" over a vast empire."

What are some alternatives to saying someone "enjoyed authority"?

You can use phrases like "wielded power", "held sway", or "exercised control" as alternatives to "enjoyed authority".

Is it correct to say something "enjoys authority" in the present tense?

Yes, it is correct, but "enjoys authority" is more appropriate for present circumstances, while "enjoyed authority" refers to past power or influence. The choice depends on the intended meaning and timeframe.

What is the difference between "enjoyed authority" and "possessed authority"?

"Enjoyed authority" implies a past period of wielding power, whereas "possessed authority" suggests having the right or capacity for authority, which may or may not have been actively used.