exercise of authority

USAGE SUMMARY

'exercise of authority' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone who is taking action, making decisions, or exerting influence. For example, "The mayor's exercise of authority was instrumental in bringing new businesses to the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Wikis and other web-based social tools encourage extreme openness and decentralisation, say the authors, while discouraging the exercise of authority.

The Guardian - Books

"That means misconduct relating to the exercise of authority as a member of the school board.

The New York Times

Governance can be defined as the "exercise of authority or control".

The New York Times

For social psychologists, the more fundamental question concerns individual reactions to the exercise of authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Once married, though, she loves his stolid exercise of authority even while choked and starved by it.

The New York Times - Books

The reason those with power prefer law to brute force is that it regularizes and legitimates the exercise of authority.

The New York Times - Magazine

In a letter dated September 4th, Sessions called it an "unconstitutional exercise of authority by the Executive Branch".

The New Yorker

Notice how collaborative and respectful this interaction was, without being weak or lacking in the clear exercise of authority.

University of California, Berkeley

The administration declared the Obama administration's DACA program "an unconstitutional exercise of authority" that must be revoked.

The Washington Post

In hospitals, this is represented by a sort of concrete floor that blocks the downward exercise of authority.

Harvard Business Review

The exercise of authority under subsection (a) is subject to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "exercise of authority" with adjectives that specify the type of authority being used (e.g., legal, moral, executive) to add clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "exercise of authority" when you actually mean authoritarianism. The former implies legitimate power used responsibly, while the latter suggests oppressive or tyrannical control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise of authority" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the act or process of using power or control, particularly in a formal or official capacity, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

35%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exercise of authority" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes the act of using power or control, often in formal or official settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable. It's frequently found in news reports, academic papers, and encyclopedic entries, reflecting a neutral to formal tone. When using the phrase, be mindful of the subtle differences between related terms like "application of power" or "assertion of control", and ensure that it accurately reflects the intended meaning. Avoiding confusion with terms like "abuse of authority" is also crucial to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

application of power

Focuses on the practical implementation of power rather than the right or justification behind it.

assertion of control

Emphasizes the act of stating or demonstrating control, potentially in a situation where it's being challenged.

implementation of authority

Highlights the process of putting authority into effect, often through specific actions or policies.

use of power

A more general term that simply refers to the act of using power, without necessarily implying legitimacy or skill.

exertion of influence

Shifts the focus to the impact on others rather than the formal right to command.

wielding of power

Implies skillful or strategic use of power, often in a challenging or competitive environment.

exercise of command

Specifically refers to the act of giving orders and directing others, often in a military or hierarchical context.

deployment of control

Suggests a strategic or tactical application of control mechanisms.

application of influence

Highlights the impact of one's actions on others, particularly in persuasion or decision-making.

discharge of authority

Implies fulfilling responsibilities associated with authority, potentially in a formal or official capacity.

FAQs

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

You can use "exercise of authority" to describe a situation where someone is using their power or control. For example, "The president's "exercise of authority" was challenged in court".

What are some alternatives to "exercise of authority"?

Some alternatives include "application of power", "assertion of control", or "implementation of authority". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "exercise of authority" formal or informal?

"Exercise of authority" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts. More informal settings might use simpler terms like "using their power".

What is the difference between "exercise of authority" and "abuse of authority"?

"Exercise of authority" implies the legitimate and proper use of power, while "abuse of authority" indicates the misuse of power for personal gain or oppressive purposes.