figures of authority

USAGE SUMMARY

"figures of authority" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to denote people in positions of power who are respected and looked up to. For example, "The president is a figure of authority who commands the respect of the entire country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Figures of authority who come up short.

Independent

A new generation distrusted tradition and all figures of authority.

The New York Times - Magazine

They become dependable and consistent figures of authority.

The Guardian

Women are the figures of authority in many of the scenes depicted on the stelae.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"External visitors to schools will be regarded as figures of authority, particularly by younger pupils.

Independent

It wasn't a comic where figures of authority were in control".

The Guardian - Books

But decisions to ban visible ones on figures of authority will not help this happen.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Police are figures of authority – we [the Bernie Peacekeepers] are there to be friendly.

The Guardian

The women's parents, uncles and brothers — figures of authority in family conflict — were overseas.

The New York Times

It is generally the case with figures of authority that when the masses start laughing at you, you are through.

The Economist

"I think it's still the case that women are less comfortable with being figures of authority," notes Woolcock.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "figures of authority", ensure the context clearly defines the specific area of authority being referenced (e.g., legal, moral, political) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "figures of authority" as a catch-all term. Instead, specify the type of authority (e.g., "legal authorities" instead of simply "figures of authority") to provide more clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "figures of authority" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies individuals or groups who possess recognized power or control, as seen in Ludwig's examples from news articles and academic texts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

55%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "figures of authority" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe individuals or groups holding power or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, its frequent appearance in news, encyclopedias, and scientific articles demonstrates its broad applicability. While alternatives like "authority figures" exist, the key is to ensure clarity by specifying the specific area of authority being referenced. Avoiding overgeneralization and providing context will enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authority figures

Reverses the order of the words without altering the meaning.

people in charge

Replaces "figures" and "authority" with simpler, more common terms, focusing on the aspect of being in control.

individuals in positions of power

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the concept of power, offering a more descriptive alternative.

leading personalities

Emphasizes the prominence and influence of these figures.

official representatives

Highlights the role of these figures as representatives of an institution or organization.

ruling class

Refers specifically to a group of people who hold significant power and control over a society.

governing body

Emphasizes the official capacity and collective nature of those in power.

establishment figures

Implies that these figures are part of a traditional system or institution.

those in control

Simplifies the phrase to highlight the aspect of control and dominance.

commanding officers

Specifically refers to individuals in positions of command, often in a military or hierarchical setting.

FAQs

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

You can use "figures of authority" to describe individuals or groups who hold power or influence. For instance, "The students respected the "figures of authority" within the school administration."

What are some alternatives to "figures of authority"?

Alternatives include "authority figures", "people in charge", or "individuals in positions of power", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "figures of authority" or "authority figures"?

Both "figures of authority" and "authority figures" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice often depends on stylistic preference, as they carry the same basic meaning.

In what context is the term "figures of authority" most commonly used?

The term "figures of authority" is commonly used in contexts discussing social structures, governance, law enforcement, and educational institutions, as evidenced by its prevalence in "news and media", encyclopedias, and science articles.