given the authority to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "given the authority to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the delegation of power or permission to someone to perform a specific action or task. Example: "The committee was given the authority to make decisions regarding the budget for the upcoming year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was also given the authority to investigate obstruction.

The New York Times

The FDA was given the authority to regulate tobacco products in 2009.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The academy was founded in 1932 and was given the authority to grant degrees in 1942.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The government had worried that the Bundestag would be given the authority to micromanage the EFSF.

The Economist

If they were given the authority to do it, they would get it done.

The Washington Post

The local was given the authority to strike by Mr. Short on Thursday night.

The New York Times

Imagine that, inspectors, given the authority to simply drop in, unannounced, to carry out an inspection.

The Guardian

Throughout the process, each child was given the authority to initiate ideas and make decisions together with the classroom teacher.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

To placate Mr. Korchnoi, Mr. Schmid was given the authority to ban spectators if they became disruptive.

The New York Times - Sports

The police are expected to be given the authority to carry out checks against this newly created national fingerprint database.

The Guardian

He added that La Guardia and, later, airports around the country should be given the authority to limit flights.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "given the authority to" when you want to emphasize the act of bestowing power or permission onto someone or something. Ensure the context clearly indicates who granted the authority and for what purpose.

Common error

Avoid assuming that being "given the authority to" perform a task implies unlimited power. Always clarify the specific boundaries and limitations of the granted authority to prevent overreach or unintended consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "given the authority to" functions as a passive construction indicating empowerment or permission. It specifies that someone or something has received the power to act. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

24%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "given the authority to" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes the delegation of power or permission. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread and accurate usage. It's prevalent in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While versatile, writers should ensure the scope of authority is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "authorized to" or "empowered to" to fine-tune the nuance. With its frequent appearance in authoritative sources, mastering the use of "given the authority to" enhances writing clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authorized to

Emphasizes formal permission or sanction.

empowered to

Highlights the enabling aspect of granting power.

permitted to

Focuses on allowing or not forbidding an action.

entrusted with the power to

Highlights the element of trust and responsibility.

delegated the responsibility to

Stresses the delegation of duty.

vested with the power to

Indicates a formal bestowal of authority.

licensed to

Suggests official certification or permission.

sanctioned to

Emphasizes an official approval or endorsement.

given the green light to

An idiomatic expression for receiving approval to proceed.

cleared to

Implies that any obstacles to taking action have been removed.

FAQs

How can I use "given the authority to" in a sentence?

Use "given the authority to" to show that someone has been empowered to do something. For example, "The manager was given the authority to hire new employees."

What are some alternatives to "given the authority to"?

You can use alternatives such as "authorized to", "empowered to", or "permitted to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "given the authority to" or "authorized to"?

Both "given the authority to" and "authorized to" are correct. "Given the authority to" emphasizes the act of granting power, while "authorized to" focuses on the state of being permitted.

What's the difference between "given the authority to" and "responsible for"?

"Given the authority to" implies having the power to make decisions or take actions, whereas "responsible for" indicates accountability for outcomes. Someone can be given the authority but still not be ultimately responsible, and vice versa.