establish authority

USAGE SUMMARY

"establish authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb phrase that is generally used when referring to the action of someone asserting their authority over a situation or person. For example, "He tried to establish his authority, but the other employees refused to listen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

We understand you must establish authority".

The New York Times

The trick that Orpheus has pulled off is to establish authority without establishing an authority figure.

The New Yorker

Back to article (3) Ethos: attempt to establish authority or connection with the audience.

The Guardian - Film

The neighborhood was overwhelmingly black, but the police force was overwhelmingly white, and it struggled to establish authority.

The New Yorker

Both the fact and the symbol send severe shockwaves through the central government in Kabul, which continues to struggle to establish authority.

The Guardian - Opinion

But many Chechens distrust leaders who have sided with the Russians, and it will be difficult for him to establish authority.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Even with the best of intentions, and those often seem scarce here, there is the potential for miscalculation as the Macedonian police try to re-establish authority in areas once controlled by the rebels.

The New York Times

These acts slowly turn the people against the established authority.

The Washington Post

Paragraph (b)(i)(D) establishes authority to order sale for good cause.

Cornell University

He possessed what he himself ascribed to Yeats, "the gift of establishing authority within a culture".

The Guardian - Books

His antagonism towards religion, governments and indeed any established authority was clear.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "establish authority", consider the context and ensure that the method of establishing authority is appropriate and ethical. Be mindful of potential negative connotations associated with asserting dominance.

Common error

Avoid using "establish authority" in situations where the means of asserting authority are disproportionate to the situation or lack legitimacy. Ensure actions align with the authority being claimed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "establish authority" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of asserting or creating a position of power or control. Ludwig's examples illustrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

23%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "establish authority" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of asserting or creating a position of power or control. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in contexts such as News & Media, Academia, and Science. When using the phrase, it's important to consider the ethical implications and ensure that the means of establishing authority are appropriate. Related phrases include "assert control", "exert influence", and "gain dominance", offering nuanced ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assert control

Focuses on the act of taking control, emphasizing direct action.

take command

Emphasizes the act of assuming a position of leadership.

exert influence

Highlights the application of power or persuasion.

exercise power

Focuses on the practical application of power or authority.

establish dominance

Similar to "gain dominance" but with a focus on the act of establishing it.

gain dominance

Emphasizes achieving a position of superiority.

impose order

Highlights the act of creating and maintaining order.

secure leadership

Focuses on achieving a leadership role.

institute rule

Emphasizes the act of creating and implementing a system of rules or laws.

build credibility

Highlights the process of gaining trust and respect.

FAQs

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

You can use "establish authority" to describe actions taken to assert control or legitimacy in a given situation. For instance, "The new manager sought to establish authority by implementing stricter policies." Here are some examples from "Ludwig".

What can I say instead of "establish authority"?

You can use alternatives like "assert control", "exert influence", or "gain dominance" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "establish authority" or "established authority"?

"Establish authority" is a verb phrase indicating an action, while "established authority" is a noun phrase referring to an existing power or institution. Choose the phrase that fits the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "establish authority" and "build credibility"?

"Establish authority" refers to asserting control or power, while "build credibility" focuses on gaining trust and respect. While related, they emphasize different aspects of leadership and influence.