fundamental authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamental authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a primary or essential source of power or control in a particular context, such as governance, law, or organizational structure. Example: "In matters of policy, the board of directors serves as the fundamental authority for decision-making."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Parliament, which in 1646 had argued that it was the fundamental authority in the country, by 1647 was but a pawn in a new game of power politics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As a member of Parliament from 1640, he respected the fundamental authority that Parliament represented, but, as a member of the army, he understood power and the decisive demands of necessity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Baptists insist that the fundamental authority, under Christ, is vested in the local congregation of believers, which admits and excludes members, calls and ordains pastors, and orders its common life in accord with what it understands to be the mind of Christ.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The scientific community has been powerless" McCarthy said, to respond to attacks on the fundamental authority of IPCC, seemingly undermined by "two sentences on glaciers".

Science Magazine

The ability to reinterpret the bible, or the teachings of Christ, or the Old Testament, or to challenge the basic fundamental authority of the church has been nonexistent for most of the church's history.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

With EPA's fundamental legal authority already established, the challengers are trying to defeat the Clean Power Plan by attacking how EPA has regulated power plants.

Huffington Post

"The implication is that this disempowers central authorities from infringing on people's fundamental human right to communicate," Mr. Meinrath added.

The New York Times

Osama bin Laden, in issuing his 1998 fatwa against the United States, defied "the fundamental sources of authority and legitimacy in the Islamic world," the authors write.

The New York Times - Magazine

For example, hip-hop has a fundamental rejection of authority, which may explain why it also attracts a similar audience.

The Guardian - Music

In a fundamental sense, political authority may be preserved from the threat of civil war only when there exists in the political community an agreement on the basic principles of the regime.

Encyclopedia Britannica

New configurations of political power were beginning to force the church into a subordinate role, a process that involved a fundamental reallocation of authority and resources from the ecclesiastical establishment to the monarch.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fundamental authority", ensure the context clearly establishes what that authority is fundamental to. For example, specify whether it pertains to a specific domain, organization, or principle.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental authority" when the scope of the authority is limited or not truly essential. Overstating its importance can diminish credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental authority" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the essential or foundational source of power, control, or legitimacy. It's often used in contexts involving governance, religion, or organizational structure, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fundamental authority" signifies the essential or foundational source of power or control. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability. While uncommon, the phrase appears across encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to contextualize the authority and avoid overstating its importance. Related phrases include "core authority" and "primary authority", providing options for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic authority

Replaces "fundamental" with "basic", indicating a simple or foundational level of authority.

core authority

Substitutes "fundamental" with "core", emphasizing the central or most important aspect of authority.

primary authority

Uses "primary" instead of "fundamental" to denote the main or most important authority.

essential authority

Replaces "fundamental" with "essential", highlighting the necessity or indispensability of the authority.

foundational authority

Uses "foundational" to emphasize that the authority serves as a base or foundation for something else.

inherent authority

Implies that the authority is intrinsic or naturally belonging to someone or something.

ultimate authority

Indicates the final or highest level of authority, implying no appeal.

supreme authority

Suggests an authority that is above all others in power or rank.

key authority

Highlights the importance of the authority as being central or vital.

central authority

Emphasizes that the authority is located at the center or is of primary importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "fundamental authority" to describe the primary power or control in a system. For example: "The constitution is the "fundamental authority" in the nation's legal system."

What is a good alternative to "fundamental authority"?

Alternatives include "core authority", "primary authority", or "basic authority", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When should I use "fundamental authority" instead of "supreme authority"?

"Fundamental authority" emphasizes the foundational nature of the power, while "supreme authority" highlights its highest rank or level. Use "fundamental" when referring to underlying or essential power, and "supreme" when denoting ultimate control.

Is "fundamental authority" the same as "legal authority"?

While both terms relate to power and control, "legal authority" specifically refers to power derived from law. "Fundamental authority" is broader and can refer to any essential or foundational source of power, whether legal or otherwise.