exercise authority over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercise authority over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one person or entity has control or power over another, often in formal or legal discussions. Example: "The manager is expected to exercise authority over the team to ensure that all tasks are completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Our study therefore aims to: describe the extent to which horizontal managers exercise authority over HIV M&E coordination, determine factors associated with exercised authority, and explore vertical managers' roles in HIV M&E coordination.

Global Health Action

It would exercise authority over any new lines of business.

The New York Times

Evangelicals believe that women cannot exercise authority over men.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, we should offer test prep strategies that allow students to exercise authority over the exam.

Columbia University

Business firms create rules to regulate and, thereby, exercise authority over employees.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For example, they exercise authority over municipal property and policing, and they can impose regional taxes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

If a State has in effect on June 1 , 1993 any regulation concerning the rates for any commercial mobile service offered in such State on such date, such State may, no later than 1 year after August 10 , 1993 petition the Commission requesting that the State be authorized to continue exercising authority over such rates.

Cornell University

From 2005-9, he served as Merkel's chief of staff, the post in Berlin that exercises authority over the BND.

The Guardian - Business

From the 15th century onwards, "a woman who holds or exercises authority over a place, institution, or group of people".

The Guardian - Opinion

The requirement of personal jurisdiction prevents the courts of a sovereign from exercising authority over persons who have little or no relation to that sovereign.

Harvard University

Protesters seemed especially enraged that it had been fired as some of them prayed, and it was unclear whether the military was exercising authority over the police.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about hierarchical structures or power dynamics, use "exercise authority over" to clearly indicate the act of using control or power, as in, "The manager must "exercise authority over" their team to ensure project deadlines are met."

Common error

Avoid using "exercise authority over" when referring to influence or persuasion. This phrase denotes a formal power or control, not simply affecting someone's opinion or behavior. Instead of "He "exercise authority over" her decision", consider "He influenced her decision".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise authority over" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of using power or control over someone or something. It explicitly shows the implementation of one's right or ability to govern, manage, or direct. As per Ludwig, this usage is considered correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

22%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exercise authority over" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase denoting the act of exerting control or power, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's most commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Academic contexts. The phrase carries a neutral to formal tone and is best suited for describing hierarchical relationships or the implementation of recognized control. When using this phrase, ensure it reflects a legitimate or formal power dynamic rather than mere influence. Be mindful of the context, as there are nuances among its alternatives like "wield authority over" or "assert authority over", each subtly shifting the meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wield authority over

Implies having and using authority, often in a more direct or forceful way.

exert control over

Focuses on the act of controlling something or someone.

exert influence over

Highlights the act of affecting someone's behavior or decisions.

exercise control of

Similar to "exert control over", but can imply a more formal or official control.

hold sway over

Suggests a more persuasive or charismatic form of influence.

have jurisdiction over

Implies a legal or official right to exercise authority.

preside over

Suggests a formal role in guiding or directing something.

dominate

Implies a strong and possibly oppressive form of authority.

govern

Highlights the act of ruling or managing a territory or group.

regulate

Emphasizes the establishment and enforcement of rules.

FAQs

How can I use "exercise authority over" in a sentence?

You can use "exercise authority over" to describe someone or something using their official power or control, for example: "The government must "exercise authority over" environmental regulations".

What are some alternatives to "exercise authority over"?

You can use alternatives like "wield authority over", "exert control over", or "have jurisdiction over depending" on the context.

Is it better to say "exercise authority over" or "exercise power over"?

"Exercise authority over" is generally more specific and implies a legitimate or recognized right to control, while "exercise power over" is broader and can refer to any kind of influence or control, whether legitimate or not.

What's the difference between "exercise authority over" and "assert authority over"?

"Exercise authority over" implies using existing authority, while "assert authority over" suggests establishing or defending one's authority, especially when it's challenged or uncertain.