expression of authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expression of authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement or action that demonstrates power or control over others. Example: "The manager's decision was an expression of authority that left no room for debate among the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Or the FCC can turn to Congress for a clearer expression of authority.

The Economist

High rates of absenteeism for health workers in health centres and their unavailability and the expression of authority towards patients are " routine practice" in daily health care.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Informal payments, the rate of absenteeism, the unavailability of health workers, and the expression of authority over patients are the main issues highlighted by communities: "When you go to pay for drugs at the pharmacy, they cheat all your money.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Betancurth, the seventh of eight children, was shaped by his mother's unusual expressions of authority, which often involved homemade inventions designed to discipline and punish her kids.

Huffington Post

The elongated proportions, the rhythmical stylization of the loincloth, and the inscrutable expression of supreme authority speak of an art at the apex of a first blossoming.

The New York Times - Arts

It combines scathing criticism of claims to authority for the bible by religious authorities, with an expression of confidence in a divinely ordered world, revealed in nature through the exercise of reason, that drew heavily on the lectures he had attended in London prior to leaving for America, given by James Ferguson and Benjamin Martin.

SEP

Some suggest that this is a self-destructive expression of defiance of authority and the French state.

The Economist

Knife attacks are becoming more common in Chinese cities, often as a violent expression of frustration against authority.

BBC

It is possible that this is an expression of the local authorities' on-going work to identify vulnerable groups and to reduce mortality among these groups to a level that is comparable to the less susceptible group.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

You can't attack freedom of expression, attack the authority of the state in this way," he was quoted as telling reporters.

The Guardian

He said the ruling was a signal to homeowners' associations across the state that although they are empowered to regulate certain forms of expression, that authority must be exercised with caution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about institutional or governmental bodies, use "expression of authority" to highlight how these entities communicate or enact their power. For example, "The new policy was seen as an "expression of authority" by the local government".

Common error

Avoid using "expression of authority" when describing inherent rights or skills. It should be used to describe an explicit demonstration of power, not an implicit or passive ability. For instance, stating 'his talent was an "expression of authority"' is inappropriate; use 'his talent demonstrated mastery' instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expression of authority" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing actions or statements that demonstrate power or control.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expression of authority" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that describes the manifestation or demonstration of power. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s most commonly used in news, science, and formal contexts. Alternatives like "assertion of power" or "demonstration of control" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with an explicit demonstration of power, rather than an implicit ability, to avoid misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assertion of power

Focuses on the act of exerting power, rather than just expressing authority.

demonstration of control

Highlights the act of showing control, emphasizing the practical aspect of authority.

exercise of command

Emphasizes the active use of authority to give orders.

manifestation of dominance

Conveys a stronger sense of superiority and control.

indication of jurisdiction

Refers specifically to the legal or official scope of authority.

exhibition of influence

Highlights the effect of authority on others.

declaration of supremacy

Emphasizes a claim to ultimate authority or power.

imposition of rule

Focuses on the act of enforcing authority and regulations.

show of force

Implies the use of power or strength to demonstrate authority.

display of clout

Highlights the influence and power someone possesses.

FAQs

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

You can use "expression of authority" to describe a statement or action that demonstrates power or control. For example, "The manager's decision was a clear "expression of authority" that left no room for debate".

What are some alternatives to "expression of authority"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "assertion of power", "demonstration of control", or "exercise of command".

Is "expression of authority" formal or informal?

"Expression of authority" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, often appearing in news articles, academic papers, and official reports.

How does "expression of authority" differ from "abuse of authority"?

"Expression of authority" describes the legitimate use of power, while "abuse of authority" refers to the misuse of that power. The former implies rightful command, the latter implies a transgression.