having authority over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having authority over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone has power or control over another person or group. Example: "The manager is having authority over the team to ensure that all tasks are completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Decentralization works, she said, because people's roles and expectations are well defined, with the pastor having authority over the parish.

The New York Times

She says it was daunting at first having authority over an older, mostly male group from vastly different backgrounds.

The Guardian

Just as the idea of authority within medicine is rejected, so too, the idea of the profession of medicine itself having authority over the patient is rejected.

The New York Times - Magazine

Pope Francis on Monday revealed Pell would become one of the most powerful men in the Catholic church with his new body having authority over all economic and administrative activities within the Holy See and Vatican.

The Guardian

Previously, the presiding Wagner-in-chief of the festival – whether that was Cosima Richardd's widow), Siegfried (son), Winifred (daughter-in-law), or Wieland and Wolfgang (grandsons) – was de facto music director, having authority over who conducted what and when on the Green Hill.

The Guardian - Music

If one insists on the priority of respect for autonomy over beneficence, or if one views the capacity for autonomy as the essential core of a person, the interests of the earlier self will be seen as having authority over the current self because only the earlier self is capable of autonomy.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

All authors revised the manuscript, had access to complete study data, and had authority over manuscript preparation, approval of final version and the decision to submit for publication.

Global Health Action

"He didn't have authority over anyone.

The New York Times

Did they have authority over the guards?

The New York Times

Well, the U.S. court has authority over Sea Shepherd U.S.A., and it has authority over me, as a U.S. citizen, but it doesn't have authority over the ships.

The New Yorker

The Supreme Leader has authority over the bonyads and the Revolutionary Guards.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having authority over" to clearly indicate hierarchical relationships or defined responsibilities. It's particularly useful in formal contexts such as business, legal, or organizational settings where delineating power structures is important.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "having authority over" implies absolute control. Clearly define the limits of authority to prevent misunderstandings and ensure accountability. Not all authority is created equal; specify what areas are actually controlled.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having authority over" functions as a prepositional phrase that describes the state of possessing control, jurisdiction, or power over someone or something. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in defining roles and responsibilities within organizations and social structures.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "having authority over" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote control or jurisdiction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It appears most frequently in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, indicating its relevance across diverse subjects. While interchangeable with alternatives like "in charge of" or "responsible for", "having authority over" specifically emphasizes the power dynamic in a relationship. When using this phrase, it is important to clearly define the scope of authority to avoid ambiguity. Its usage spans across various domains, emphasizing its versatility in describing hierarchical relationships and defined responsibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercising control over

Focuses on the act of controlling, emphasizing the active application of power.

holding power over

Highlights the possession of power, suggesting a more static state of authority.

in charge of

Indicates responsibility and oversight, often in a professional or organizational context.

responsible for

Emphasizes accountability and the duty to manage or oversee something.

supervising

Implies direct oversight and management of activities or personnel.

overseeing

Suggests a broader view of management, focusing on ensuring everything runs smoothly.

managing

Focuses on the practical aspects of handling and directing resources or people.

governing

Indicates the act of ruling or controlling a group or organization.

ruling over

Suggests a strong, often absolute, form of control or dominion.

presiding over

Implies the act of leading or chairing a meeting or event, indicating temporary authority.

FAQs

How can I use "having authority over" in a sentence?

You can use "having authority over" to describe someone who has control or jurisdiction over others. For example, "The manager is "having authority over" the team's projects."

What are some alternatives to "having authority over"?

Alternatives include "in charge of", "responsible for", or "exercising control over", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "has authority on" instead of "having authority over"?

No, "has authority on" is grammatically incorrect. The correct preposition to use with "authority" in this context is "over". You can, however, say someone is an authority on a subject.

What's the difference between "having authority over" and "having influence over"?

"Having authority over" implies a formal or legal power to control or direct, while "having influence over" suggests the ability to affect someone's decisions or actions without necessarily having direct control.