felt authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "felt authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sense of power or control that someone perceives or experiences, often in a context where authority is not formally granted. Example: "Despite her lack of official title, she commanded felt authority among her peers, leading them with confidence and respect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Both Christ and Socrates felt authority more strongly, not less; they intensified as they criticized the received renunciatory demands".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Or Émile Durkheim: "To dare to shake off the yoke of traditional discipline, one should not feel authority too strongly".

The New York Times - Books

But his hands-on approach and outspokenness irritated Mr. Ospel, who felt his authority was being infringed upon.

The New York Times

Recalling a lifetime of performance and protest — including acts of civil disobedience that he felt added authority when he talked about civil rights — Mr. Gregory said that he saw humor as a means of advancing social justice.

The New York Times

The first cracks appeared as early as May 2005 when Mourinho felt his authority had been undermined by Abramovich's decision to recruit Frank Arnesen from Tottenham Hotspur as director of scouting and youth development.

BBC

This lead to conflicting feelings for doctors who felt their authority was challenged, their time insufficient and the information needs of relatives often unmet.

BMJ Open

Those that felt that authority for approval of future use could be delegated to an IRB or other body also felt it was imperative that a strong national regulatory framework be in place so that 'rules were established and clear'.

BMC Medical Ethics

Ministers are understood to have long felt that authorities should not be "over-sensitive" on the issue.

The Guardian

To make Ginger feel her authority, Velvet hardens herself.

The New Yorker

The horse can feel your authority.' Forget about it.

The Guardian - Film

In this version Gualtiero, the King of Thessaly, feels his authority being undermined.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "felt authority" to describe situations where someone's power isn't formally recognized but is palpable through their actions or influence.

Common error

Don't confuse "felt authority" with simply being liked or respected. The phrase implies a level of control or influence that goes beyond mere popularity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "felt authority" is that of a noun phrase, where "felt" modifies "authority". As supported by Ludwig's analysis, it describes a subjective experience of power or control.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "felt authority" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes a subjective experience of power or control. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's often used to highlight influence beyond formal channels, particularly in contexts like news reporting, scientific analysis, and business discussions. While alternatives like "perceived authority" and "experienced authority" exist, "felt authority" uniquely captures the emotional or sensory aspect of wielding influence. Be mindful to distinguish it from simply being liked or respected, as it implies a tangible level of control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perceived authority

Focuses on the perception of authority rather than the emotional experience.

experienced authority

Highlights the personal experience of holding authority.

sense of authority

Emphasizes the feeling or awareness of having authority.

exercise of authority

Focuses on the active use of authority, rather than the feeling.

exertion of authority

Similar to "exercise of authority", but implies a more forceful application.

commanded respect

Indicates that authority is demonstrated and receives acknowledgment from others.

wielded influence

Focuses on the influence exerted as a result of authority.

held sway

Implies a dominant influence or control.

carried weight

Suggests that someone's opinions or actions are influential due to their authority.

possessed power

Emphasizes the possession of power, which can be associated with authority.

FAQs

How can I use "felt authority" in a sentence?

You can use "felt authority" to describe a sense of power or control that someone perceives or experiences, often in a context where authority is not formally granted. For example: "Despite her lack of official title, she commanded "felt authority" among her peers, leading them with confidence and respect."

What's the difference between "felt authority" and "perceived authority"?

"Felt authority" emphasizes the emotional experience of power or control, while "perceived authority" focuses more on how authority is viewed or recognized by others.

What are some alternatives to using "felt authority"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "experienced authority", "sense of authority", or "commanded respect".

Is "felt authority" a formal or informal expression?

"Felt authority" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's often found in more descriptive or analytical writing where the nuances of power dynamics are being explored.