exert authority over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exert authority over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is demonstrating control or influence over another person or group. Example: "The manager was known to exert authority over his team, ensuring that all tasks were completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

There are, of course, different ways for politics to exert authority over science.

The Washington Post

Today, with the world economy on the brink of a major calamity, it is again time for the world's politicians to exert authority over the international financial system.

The New Yorker

Courts should take proper notice where public figures have sought publicity especially where it is the public who have paid their wages and ditto with those who seek to govern or exert authority over us.

The Guardian

The latest violence, Mr. Kislov said, could be in response to recent government attempts to exert authority over the region, though he said support for violent resistance to the authorities was probably limited.

The New York Times

As things stand, Superman is off the scene; America needs protection, so Waller dreams up a plan to recruit a top team of badder-than-bad guys and put them under the control of special forces hombre Rick Flag Joel Kinnamann), who can exert authority over and above that neck-bomb.

The Guardian - Film

Officers McKie and Nelson delegated the duty of maintaining order in the jail to chosen inmates, according to the indictment, and instructed them to exert authority over others by making them give up some of their commissary money and phone privileges.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The Taliban's inner shura, or governing council, exerts authority over lower-level Taliban fighters.

The New York Times

Bishops and nobles often exerted authority over wealthy abbeys; the abbeys thus petitioned Sylvester to free them from all exterior control except that of the papacy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Rev. Scott A. Euvrard of St. Joseph's in Needham, said: "One approach would be to come in an authoritarian mode and try to deal with the disruption of the diocese by exerting authority over many different things, over lay groups, over clergy.

The New York Times

"It's about exerting authority over somebody else who's of a different gender from you".

Vice

And it's not (and these are my words) that Hamas is exercising any ferocity toward, or exerting authority over photographers when, as Hicks describes, Hamas fighters have proven themselves indistinguishable from the civilian population in a situation where there is no authority to be found.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exert authority over" when you want to emphasize the act of actively using one's power or position to control or influence someone or something. It implies a deliberate action to maintain or enforce authority.

Common error

Avoid using "exert authority over" when describing situations where authority is naturally granted or implied. This phrase highlights the action of enforcing authority, not the state of possessing it. Choose terms like "hold authority" or "have influence" if the emphasis is on the inherent power rather than its active implementation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exert authority over" functions as a verb phrase indicating the active application of power or control. It describes the action of someone using their authority to influence or direct others. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exert authority over" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the active application of one's power or control. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and applicability. While not overly common, it appears in various reliable sources, including news media, encyclopedias, and academic texts. It is important to remember that "exert authority over" emphasizes the action of enforcing authority, rather than merely possessing it. Therefore, one should choose it carefully to reflect the intended meaning. Consider using alternatives such as "exercise control over" or "wield power over" for similar meanings, or "have authority over" when the emphasis is on possessing inherent power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wield control over

Emphasizes the active use of power or influence to direct or dominate.

exercise influence on

Focuses on the effect one has on others' decisions or actions, not necessarily direct control.

hold sway over

Suggests a more subtle or persuasive form of control.

dominate

Implies a stronger, more absolute form of control.

govern

Refers to the act of ruling or controlling a group or area.

command

Suggests a formal and direct form of authority, often in a military context.

rule over

Implies a formal and often absolute authority.

have jurisdiction over

Refers to the legal right to exercise authority.

administer

Suggests a practical and managerial form of control.

supervise

Implies a level of oversight and direction.

FAQs

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

You can use "exert authority over" to describe a person or entity actively using their power or control. For example, "The manager had to "exert authority over" the team to ensure the project was completed on time."

What are some alternatives to "exert authority over"?

Some alternatives include "exercise control over", "wield power over", or "assert control over", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "exercise authority over" instead of "exert authority over"?

Yes, "exercise authority over" is a valid alternative. While both are correct, "exert" emphasizes a more active and deliberate application of authority, whereas "exercise" is slightly more general.

What is the difference between "exert authority over" and "have authority over"?

"Exert authority over" implies actively using one's power or control, while "have authority over" simply indicates the possession of that power. For instance, a CEO may "have authority over" the entire company, but must occasionally "exert authority over" specific departments or employees to address issues.