gain a mandate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gain a mandate" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in political or organizational contexts to refer to obtaining authority or approval to act on behalf of others. Example: "The candidate was able to gain a mandate from the voters, allowing her to implement her proposed policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

You have to gain a mandate for change.

The New York Times

In Brussels, officials said the parameters of the discussion were being set by German domestic politics and, in particular, by the need for Mrs. Merkel to gain a mandate from Parliament.

The New York Times

They are in urgent need, and countries can invoke the UN Responsibility to Protect as the legal basis for intervention, our treaty responsibilities for the security of allies, or gain a mandate from the Arab League.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dunstan called an election for March 1973, hoping to gain a mandate to seek changes to the Council.

Wikipedia

Hopefully Obama will carry this message through 2012, and gain a mandate to use his second term to take on the growing inequities and game-rigging practices that have been undermining the American economy and American democracy for years.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Obama gained a mandate from the U.N. Security Council, working with the European Union to rally the Arab League.

The New York Times

On a serious note you probably couldn't get a worse result for the market with no party gaining a mandate to form a government and the most likely coalition combination, Labour and the Lib Dems, not having enough seats between them to form a majority government.

The Guardian - Business

Mr Ashdown will speak on Sunday to gain a renewed mandate for his tactic of constructive opposition, and he will undoubtedly get it.

The Economist

It is difficult to imagine that the Karzai administration can raise its game sufficiently to gain a popular mandate strong enough to stop the Taliban.

The New York Times

With these reforms, the speaker would lose some power, but gain a public mandate akin to the mayor's — as well as leadership over a strong institution that could fulfill its true potential as an agent of democracy.

The New York Times

Her stated reason for the vote, which would take place seven weeks later, was to gain a strong mandate for the upcoming Brexit talks, which were due to start in June.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gain a mandate", ensure that the context clearly indicates the source and scope of the mandate. Be specific about from whom or what the mandate is derived.

Common error

Avoid using "gain a mandate" when simply referring to general approval or support. A mandate implies a specific delegation of authority, not just a positive sentiment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain a mandate" functions as a verb phrase, where "gain" is the verb indicating the action of acquiring, and "a mandate" is the direct object representing the authority or permission being obtained. This aligns with Ludwig's confirmation of its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gain a mandate" correctly describes the act of acquiring authority or approval to act, typically in a political or organizational context. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable and correct. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. To ensure clarity, it's best to specify the source and scope of the mandate. Remember that a true mandate goes beyond general approval, it implies a specific delegation of power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secure a mandate

Emphasizes the act of obtaining a mandate, suggesting effort and intent.

obtain a mandate

Focuses on the achievement of getting a mandate, highlighting the formal process.

win a mandate

Suggests gaining a mandate through competition or election.

receive a mandate

Highlights the act of being given a mandate, emphasizing the source of authority.

garner support

Focuses on accumulating general backing, not necessarily a formal mandate.

achieve authorization

Stresses the attainment of official permission or approval.

acquire approval

Highlights the process of getting agreement or endorsement.

get the go-ahead

An informal way to express receiving permission to proceed.

earn legitimacy

Focuses on gaining recognition and acceptance of one's authority.

establish authority

Emphasizes the creation of a recognized power or right to act.

FAQs

What does "gain a mandate" mean?

To "gain a mandate" means to obtain the official authority or approval to act in a certain way, often through an election or some other form of popular support.

How can I use "gain a mandate" in a sentence?

You can use "gain a mandate" to describe a situation where someone or some group receives the power to carry out a particular agenda, for instance: "The president hoped to gain a mandate from the election to reform healthcare."

What are some alternatives to "gain a mandate"?

Alternatives to "gain a mandate" include "secure a mandate", "obtain a mandate", or "win a mandate", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "gain a mandate" or "receive a mandate"?

Both "gain a mandate" and "receive a mandate" are correct, but "gain a mandate" suggests more active effort in acquiring the authority, while "receive a mandate" implies that the authority was given.