have authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have authority" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone has the power or right to make decisions or enforce rules. For example: "The police officer has the authority to issue a ticket for parking violations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These sources have authority because of the authors.

Princeton University

"I may have authority.

The New York Times

"I didn't really have authority".

The New Yorker

Peggy replies: "I have authority.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If it's popular enough, it'll have authority.

Princeton University

Does Bercow have authority to do this?

The Guardian

"He didn't have authority over anyone.

The New York Times

Did they have authority over the guards?

The New York Times

He claimed to have authority for his plan".

The New York Times

The idea that they have authority is ludicrous".

Independent

It does not have authority to bring criminal charges.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context carefully to choose a more precise synonym if the specific type of authority (e.g., legal, moral, or professional) is important.

Common error

Avoid using "have authority" in contexts where it might be interpreted as advocating for authoritarian practices. Ensure the context emphasizes responsible and justified use of power, not unchecked control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have authority" functions as a predicate in sentences, asserting that a subject possesses a specific power, right, or control. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The examples in Ludwig illustrate its use across diverse contexts, indicating the capacity to make decisions, enforce rules, or exert influence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

18%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have authority" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the possession of power or the right to exercise control. As Ludwig AI confirms, it fits seamlessly into various contexts, from news reports to academic discussions. While generally neutral, its formality can shift based on the specific context. To ensure clarity, be specific about the scope of the authority and consider synonyms if a particular type of power needs emphasis. Avoiding contexts where it might be misconstrued as authoritarian is also crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be in charge

This alternative is more direct and implies a position of leadership or control.

exercise control

This alternative highlights the act of exerting control over a situation or person.

possess power

This alternative focuses on the possession of power, implying a general ability to influence or control.

be empowered to

This alternative focuses on the act of being given authority or power to do something.

wield influence

This alternative emphasizes the active use of influence, suggesting a more subtle or persuasive form of authority.

have jurisdiction

This alternative refers to the legal power to apply laws, especially within a certain territory.

hold sway

This alternative suggests a dominant influence or control over someone or something.

be entitled to

This alternative refers to a right or qualification to do something, which is a specific type of authority.

command respect

This alternative suggests an inherent authority derived from respect or admiration.

bear responsibility

This alternative indicates the obligation and authority associated with a particular role or task.

FAQs

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

You can use "have authority" to indicate that someone or something possesses the power or right to make decisions or enforce rules. For example, "The manager "has authority" to approve employee vacations".

What are some alternatives to "have authority"?

Some alternatives to "have authority" include "possess power", "be in charge", or "exercise control", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "have authority" or "has authority"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "have authority" with plural subjects and "I/you", and "has authority" with singular subjects. For example, "They "have authority"" versus "He "has authority"".

What's the difference between "have authority" and "have permission"?

"Have authority" implies a general right or power to act, while "have permission" suggests a specific approval for a particular action. Someone might "have authority" to make decisions, but still need to "have permission" for certain actions.