exceeded authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceeded authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone has gone beyond their granted powers or permissions, often in legal or organizational settings. Example: "The manager was reprimanded for actions that exceeded authority, leading to a review of company policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The inspector general worries that the "perception" that the agency exceeded its authority might diminish trust in the C.I.A. itself.

The New York Times

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals' overturned the rule in August 2012, stating the agency exceeded its authority under the Clean Air Act by imposing "massive emissions reduction requirements".

Huffington Post

But the Supreme Court ruled last March that the agency had exceeded its authority.

The New York Times

In the 1990s, the F.D.A. tried to regulate tobacco products under existing statutes, but the Supreme Court ruled that the agency had exceeded the authority granted by Congress.

The New York Times

This whole notion that somehow I exceeded my authority here, was usurping his authority, is simply not true.

The New York Times

He exceeded the authority of his office to promote a failed agenda, one that had no evidence behind it.

Huffington Post

I thought that the Bush wiretaps exceeded his authority under FLSA, but I supported a congressional expansion of wiretap authority to cure the problem.

Forbes

Since Oklahoman could provide no Congressional authority for collecting taxes from Sac and Fox tribal members it was clear that the state had exceeded its authority.

Wikipedia

Garzón denied that he had exceeded his authority.

The Guardian

But Judge Castillo said yesterday that Mr. Miller had "overstepped his jurisdiction" and "exceeded his authority".

The New York Times

If a shareholder vote is required, he said, then the board has exceeded its authority.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the context clearly indicates whose authority was exceeded and the consequences of this action.

Common error

Avoid using "exceeded authority" interchangeably with phrases like "exercised authority poorly". The former indicates acting beyond one's power, while the latter suggests mismanagement within authorized actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceeded authority" typically functions as a descriptor within a clause, modifying a subject (an individual, agency, or organization) to indicate they have acted beyond their permitted powers. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exceeded authority" is used to describe actions taken beyond legally or officially granted powers. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and generally appears in formal contexts such as legal documents, news reports, and organizational communications. Though it can be interchanged with alternatives such as "overstepped authority" or "overreached powers", context is important in order to achieve the desired impact and nuance. When writing, it's important to define the specific bounds of what is the expected or acceptable 'authority', and carefully define whether an action has indeed gone beyond it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overstepped authority

Slightly more direct, implying a clear transgression of boundaries.

exceeded mandate

Focuses on exceeding a given assignment or directive.

transgressed limits

Emphasizes the violation of established boundaries.

overreached powers

Highlights an attempt to exercise more power than one possesses.

usurped authority

Suggests the illegal or forceful seizure of power.

went beyond jurisdiction

Specifically refers to exceeding legal or territorial limits.

abused power

Highlights the misuse of authority, often for personal gain.

overstepped the bounds

Emphasizes a deviation from expected or acceptable behavior.

assumed excessive control

Suggests taking on more power or control than is justified.

encroached upon authority

Implies a gradual or subtle intrusion into someone else's authority.

FAQs

How is "exceeded authority" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "exceeded authority" is used to describe situations where an individual or entity has acted beyond the scope of their granted powers or permissions. For example, "The committee "overstepped its mandate" when it began investigating matters outside its jurisdiction."

What are some alternatives to "exceeded authority"?

Some alternatives include "overstepped authority", "overreached powers", or "acted ultra vires". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "exceeded their authority" or "exceeded his/her authority"?

Both are grammatically correct, but the choice depends on the subject. Use "their authority" when referring to a group or entity, and "his/her authority" when referring to an individual. For example, "The board "exceeded its authority"", or "The manager "exceeded his authority"."

What is the legal implication of "exceeded authority"?

Legally, "exceeded authority" often implies that an action is invalid or unlawful because it was performed without the proper authorization. This can lead to legal challenges, such as lawsuits or appeals, aimed at nullifying the action. It may also lead to disciplinary actions.