foundation of authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foundation of authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the underlying principles or basis that establish someone's or something's power or influence. Example: "The foundation of authority in this organization is built on trust and transparency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"I want to restore the spirit of responsibility which is the foundation of authority.

The New York Times

In a democracy, secrecy is not the foundation of authority; that is the basis of dictatorships.

The Guardian - Opinion

We should continue producing trend pieces, profiles, essays and other journalism that provides us a foundation of authority and are essential to our most loyal readers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But the idea of looking had begun to shake the foundations of authority at the base of thought.

The New York Times - Magazine

People on the right side of the political spectrum are highly sensitive to the arrival of people from different cultures into their country because they see them as undermining their key moral foundations of authority, purity and loyalty to in-group culture.

Huffington Post

"That is the mystic foundation of their authority.

The New York Times

The foundation of charismatic authority is emotional, not rational: it rests on trust and faith, both of which can be blind and uncritical.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By reemphasizing the traditional Confucian and Shintō values and redefining the courses in shūshin, it was to place morality and education on a foundation of imperial authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Topics to be discussed include the following: a) the foundations of legal authority, b) legal reasoning and argument, and c) the nature of persistent legal disputes (e.g., disputes about how to best interpret the US constitution).

Stanford University

In April, the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit issued an opinion in the Comcast case that questioned the foundations of legal authority that the FCC has used in the past few years as a basis for exercising jurisdiction over broadband policy.

Harvard University

In addition to sabotaging the foundations of administrative authority, progressive Democrat's contention that the number of net neutrality comments is appropriate fodder for political grandstanding has encouraged abuse of the FCC's filing system.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic or formal writing, use "foundation of authority" to emphasize the underlying legitimacy or justification for power.

Common error

While "foundation of authority" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "basis of power" or "source of influence" for everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foundation of authority" acts as a noun phrase, typically functioning as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig AI points out the phrase's purpose in establishing the underlying principles that legitimize power.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the noun phrase "foundation of authority" denotes the core principles or basis that underpins power and influence. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase follows standard grammar rules but is used more in formal contexts such as news, academic writing and encyclopedias. When opting for a more casual tone, consider alternatives like "basis of power" or "source of control". Remember to use this phrase when delving into the fundamental reasons for legitimacy or control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basis of power

Focuses on the 'power' aspect, implying a more direct control or influence.

source of control

Highlights the origin from which control is derived.

root of command

Emphasizes the origin of the ability to give orders.

underpinning of influence

Suggests a structural support to someone's influence.

groundwork of legitimacy

Emphasizes the aspect of being legitimate or accepted.

moral authority's bedrock

Highlights the moral aspect of authority, focusing on a firm base.

cornerstone of governance

Specifically relates to the act or manner of governing.

principle of authorization

More formal, focusing on the principle that allows authority.

justification for rule

Highlights the rationale behind having authority or rule.

provenance of dominion

Focuses on the origin or history of having dominion or control.

FAQs

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

You can use "foundation of authority" to refer to the underlying principles on which power or influence is based. For example: "Trust is the "foundation of authority" in any successful relationship."

What's a simpler alternative to "foundation of authority"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "basis of power", "source of control", or "root of command".

In what contexts is "foundation of authority" most appropriate?

The phrase is most appropriate in formal writing, academic discussions, or when analyzing complex systems of power and influence. Using "basis of power" might work better in informal setups.

Is "foundation of authority" the same as "source of authority"?

While similar, "foundation of authority" implies a more fundamental and structural basis, whereas "source of authority" simply points to the origin or provider of power. The former is often more abstract and conceptual.