have the authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have the authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate that someone is in a position to give permission or make decisions about something. For example, "The head of the department has the authority to approve new policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have the authority to say it.

The New Yorker

"They have the authority to do it.

The New York Times

Governors have the authority to issue pardons.

The New Yorker

HAYES: You have the authority.

The Washington Post

I don't have the authority.

The Guardian

You have the authority to do it.

The Washington Post

"The commanders have the authority we need.

The Guardian

Will he have the authority to negotiate?

The New York Times

Congress will have the authority to make a final choice.

The New York Times

I don't have the authority to do that," he says.

Independent

Lawyers are required to have the authority to settle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the tone when using "have the authority". In formal contexts, it conveys legitimacy and power, while in informal settings, it might come across as assertive or even arrogant.

Common error

Avoid using "have the authority" in situations where the scope of power is unclear or undefined. This can lead to misunderstandings or challenges to your position. Always ensure the authority is legitimate and recognized by relevant parties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have the authority" functions as a predicate in sentences, indicating that a subject possesses the right or power to perform specific actions or make decisions. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to denote legitimate control or permission.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have the authority" is a commonly used phrase that indicates the legitimate right or power to perform specific actions or make decisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's essential to clearly define the source and scope of the authority to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "are empowered to" or "have the right" can provide similar meanings depending on the intended nuance. Ensuring clarity and avoiding overstatement are key to effective communication when discussing authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are authorized to

Implies official permission or approval to perform a task.

have the right

Focuses on the moral or legal entitlement to do something.

are empowered to

Highlights the act of being granted power or permission.

are permitted to

Focuses on the allowance or consent to do something.

possess the power

Emphasizes the inherent ability or strength to act.

are entitled to

Similar to "have the right", but can also imply expectation or privilege.

have the mandate

Suggests a formal or official commission to act.

have the jurisdiction

Highlights the legal scope of one's authority.

are in a position to

Indicates having the necessary resources or circumstances to act.

are capable of

Focuses on the ability or skill to carry out a task, implying authority through competence.

FAQs

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

You can use "have the authority" to describe someone's power or right to do something, such as "The manager "has the authority" to approve expenses" or "Governors "have the authority" to issue pardons".

What are some alternatives to saying "have the authority"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "are empowered to", "have the right", or "are authorized to" to express similar meanings.

Is it correct to say "has the authority" instead of "have the authority"?

Yes, "has the authority" is correct when referring to a singular subject, while "have the authority" is used for plural subjects or when using "I", "you", "we", or "they". For example, "He "has the authority"" versus "They "have the authority"".

What is the difference between "have the authority" and "have the power"?

"Have the power" generally refers to the ability or capacity to do something, while ""have the authority"" implies a legitimate or recognized right to exercise control or make decisions. You can "have the power" to influence someone without "having the authority" to command them.