exercising their authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercising their authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of using power or control in a specific context, such as governance, management, or leadership. Example: "The committee is responsible for exercising their authority to ensure compliance with the new regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Any encounter with the police in which the police are exercising their authority is bound to have an effect on a juror," she said.

The New York Times

While praising the reduction in violence, some critics have questioned whether the department under Mr. Kerik fostered a clubby, permissive atmosphere in which senior officers might have crossed lines of propriety in exercising their authority.

The New York Times

Of course, it might just be they like exercising their authority, but in many matters — calling balls and strikes, for instance — umpires are loath to yield their personal discretion.

The New York Times

These studies consistently show that the most important issue to public evaluations of the police is whether they believe that the police are exercising their authority fairly.

Huffington Post

The sub-district managers expressed difficulties in exercising their authority due to the continued, and sometimes perceived as deliberate, interference by higher offices in the functioning and allegiance of sub-district personnel.

Human Resources for Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Minority politicians have accused Kurdish leaders of using intimidation to exercise their authority.

The New York Times

Although the military engineered three coups in the last four decades, its leaders prefer to exercise their authority quietly.

The New York Times

But environmental groups were also critical of other federal agencies that have watchdog roles and could have exercised their authority to protect the species.

The New York Times

"These state agencies independently exercise their authority in reviewing and approving applications for import and export of cultural property in accordance with laws," he wrote.

The New York Times - Arts

Entrenching civil liberties matters, because it is always in the interests of authorities to make it easier for themselves to exercise their authority and to impose their will, so there is always a tendency towards limitation of freedom in the name of efficiency, security, the majority, or some greater good such as public health.

The Guardian - Opinion

The debate in Europe over alleged political motivation behind judicial reform has taken on an international perspective when, as in the case of Mr. Garzón's pursuit of Gen. Pinochet, judges have sought to exercise their authority beyond their own borders.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exercising their authority", ensure the context clearly defines the scope and limits of the authority being exercised to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming the audience understands the specific boundaries of the authority being exercised. Clearly state or imply the limits to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercising their authority" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a gerund phrase acting as a subject complement or object. It describes the action of using one's power or right to control or influence a situation or group. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exercising their authority" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes the act of utilizing one's power or control. Ludwig AI validates its correctness for use in written English. Analysis of its usage reveals that it frequently appears in news and media, as well as in scientific and encyclopedic contexts. While not extremely common, the phrase is recognized and understood across various formal and informal settings, making it a versatile choice for discussing governance, leadership, and the application of power. When crafting content, ensuring the context clearly defines the scope of authority avoids ambiguity and strengthens the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wielding their power

Focuses more on the possession and active use of power.

exerting their influence

Highlights the effect they have on others rather than direct control.

enforcing their control

Emphasizes the act of making sure rules are followed.

implementing their jurisdiction

More formal, specifically related to legal or official power.

applying their mandate

Suggests they are acting on a specific permission or instruction.

utilizing their prerogative

Highlights a special right or privilege they are using.

deploying their resources

Focuses on using available means to achieve control.

activating their dominion

Implies complete ownership and control over something.

administering their governance

Focuses on the process of managing and directing affairs.

invoking their supremacy

Highlights a position of ultimate power and authority.

FAQs

How can I use "exercising their authority" in a sentence?

You can use "exercising their authority" to describe situations where individuals or groups are using the power or control they possess, such as "The police were accused of /s/abusing+their+power while /s/exercising+their+authority".

What are some alternatives to "exercising their authority"?

Alternatives include "wielding their power", "exerting their influence", or "enforcing their control", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "exercising their authority" and "abusing their power"?

"Exercising their authority" refers to the legitimate use of one's power, while /s/abusing+their+power implies using that power in an unjust or unlawful manner. The key difference lies in the legitimacy and ethical implications of the action.

In what contexts is "exercising their authority" most commonly used?

The phrase is frequently used in contexts related to government, law enforcement, management, and leadership, where the use of power and control is a central theme.