force of authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "force of authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the power or influence that comes from a position of authority, often in contexts involving leadership or governance. Example: "The decision was made under the force of authority, leaving little room for dissent among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He seemed to have grown older in the short time Paddington had been there" — a precise and chilling metaphor for the implacable force of authority.

The New Yorker

Mr. Renda is one of those people with a mysterious force of authority that everyone seems to accept without questioning its provenance.

The New York Times

He emphasized that participants in crowds, fads, or other forms of collective behaviour share an attitude or behave alike, not because of an established rule or the force of authority, and not because as individuals they have the same attitudes, but because of a distinctive group process.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Who was it?" demanded the leader of the baffled forces of authority.

The Economist

Mr. Ordesky pointed out that the figure who most represents God in the books is known as "the Authority" and said that the core of the story is about "people who are striving to be free and have free will, who are in conflict with forces of authority and totalitarianism".

The New York Times

People have compared this confrontation between massed forces of authority and a single protester with the famous image of a man facing a column of tanks in Tiananmen Square in 1989, or the 1967 photograph of a "flower child" in front of a row of armed soldiers at the Pentagon.

The Guardian - Arts

Each category of complaints - Force, Abuse of Authority, Discourtesy and Offensive Language, known as FADO - are down.

The New York Times

The 13-member civilian review board investigates accusations of excessive force, abuse of authority, discourtesy and offensive language.

The New York Times

The 13-member Civilian Complaint Review Board is empowered under the City Charter to investigate civilian complaints of excessive force, abuse of authority, discourtesy and offensive language.

The New York Times

The 13-member review board investigates accusations of excessive force, abuse of authority, discourtesy and offensive language brought to it by members of the public, but does not generally handle offenses that rise to the level of criminal wrongdoing.

The New York Times

The board investigates public complaints of excessive force, abuse of authority, discourtesy and offensive language, in most cases stemming from actions that do not rise to the level of a crime.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "force of authority" to describe situations where influence stems directly from a recognized position or office, such as in legal, governmental, or organizational contexts.

Common error

Be careful not to use "force of authority" when you actually mean "abuse of authority". The former describes legitimate influence, while the latter describes the improper or illegal use of power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "force of authority" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It represents the power or influence that an individual or institution possesses due to their official position or recognized standing. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing both legitimate and potentially problematic applications of this power.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "force of authority" is a noun phrase used to describe the power derived from an official or recognized position. Ludwig AI, suggests it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in formal and neutral contexts such as news reports and encyclopedia entries. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is well-established and understood. It’s important to distinguish "force of authority" from "abuse of authority", which implies an improper use of power. Synonyms include "power of command" and "weight of influence", but the best choice depends on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

power of command

Emphasizes the ability to give orders and ensure compliance.

weight of influence

Highlights the impact and effect that authority can have.

might of control

Focuses on the strength and dominance associated with authority.

clout of leadership

Stresses the power and effectiveness of a leader's position.

influence of rank

Highlights the impact of someone's position in a hierarchy.

dominance of position

Focuses on the control exerted due to one's status.

ascendancy of power

Describes the state of having more power than others.

reign of power

Refers to a period of control or influence.

grip of authority

Emphasizes a tight hold on power and control.

commanding presence

Refers to the impression of authority a person conveys.

FAQs

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

You can use "force of authority" to describe how someone's position gives them influence. For instance, "The manager used the force of authority to implement the new policy".

What's the difference between "force of authority" and "abuse of power"?

"Force of authority" typically refers to the legitimate and proper use of one's position, whereas "abuse of power" implies the misuse of that authority for personal gain or other inappropriate purposes.

Are there synonyms for "force of authority" that I can use?

Yes, alternatives include "power of command", "weight of influence", or "clout of leadership", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "force of authority" a formal or informal expression?

"Force of authority" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression suitable for professional or academic writing. For informal settings, simpler terms like "influence" or "power" may be more appropriate.