hold authority over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold authority over" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to talk about someone having power or control over someone or something else. For example: "The mayor holds authority over the entire city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Because they hold authority over students, teachers must be careful not to bully those who hold different views.

The New York Times - Magazine

We must therefore reject the claim that we have an obligation to obey the orders of those who purport to hold authority over us and conclude that there can be no general obligation to obey the laws of any polity that falls short of a unanimous direct democracy.

SEP

Volunteer "assistants" or "contact persons" do not hold authority over other practitioners, regardless of how long they have practiced Falun Gong.

Wikipedia

When the Palestinian Liberation Organization PLOO) was founded in 1964, Nasser formally, but not practically, proclaimed that it would hold authority over Gaza, and a year later, conscription was instituted for the Palestinian Liberation Army.

Wikipedia

Volunteer "assistants" or "contact persons" coordinate local activities, but they do not hold authority over other practitioners, regardless of how long they have practiced Falun Gong; they cannot collect money, conduct healings, or teach or interpret doctrine for others.

Wikipedia

If Medley is such a Bible believer, she should consider this verse in 1 Timothy 2 12 - "I do not permit a woman to teach or hold authority over a man, she must remain silent.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Researchers asked 49 volunteers to write about a time when they were in a position where they held authority over others, while another 49 were told to write about being in a submissive position.

Science Magazine

In short, the Latin authors were warning of the breakdown of the "traditional" "paterfamilias" in which the men held authority over their wife and children.

Huffington Post

This body, which exists only on the web but enjoys the loyalty of real fighters and commanders, aspires to hold authority in Islam's name over the whole north Caucasus, and perhaps beyond; and to wage unlimited war against infidel Russia.

The Economist

Patriarchy is a social system permeating the world, where men hold positions of power and have authority over women.

Huffington Post

Many don't agree with Islamic State claims to hold religious authority over all Muslims in the world, or its beheadings and crucifixions, but they want to support an alternative to Baghdad's Shiite-run central government, experts say.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold authority over", ensure that the context clearly defines the scope and limits of the authority being referenced. Be specific about what aspects are controlled and by whom.

Common error

Avoid using "hold authority over" when the power or influence is merely advisory or informal. Reserve this phrase for situations where genuine decision-making power exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold authority over" functions as a verb phrase indicating the possession and potential application of control or power. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used to describe having the right and ability to govern or direct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hold authority over" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe possessing power or control, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While categorized as having a neutral register, it appears more commonly in News & Media sources and Wiki pages. When writing, remember that the context should clearly define the scope of the authority being referenced. Consider using alternatives like "exercise control over" or "wield power over" for nuanced meanings. Be mindful not to overstate the extent of authority when using the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wield power over

Focuses more on the active exercise of power, suggesting a deliberate act of control.

exercise control over

Emphasizes the act of managing or directing something or someone.

have command over

Suggests a formal or official position of leadership.

be in charge of

A more informal way to express responsibility and control.

have jurisdiction over

Indicates legal or official power to make decisions.

exert influence over

Highlights the ability to affect someone's actions or decisions, potentially without direct command.

dominate

Implies a stronger, sometimes negative, form of control.

govern

Refers to the act of ruling or managing a country, organization, or people.

preside over

Suggests overseeing or managing a meeting, event, or organization.

be at the helm of

Metaphorically refers to being in control or leading something.

FAQs

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

You can use "hold authority over" to describe someone who has power or control, such as "The manager "holds authority over" the employees in their department."

What's the difference between "hold authority over" and "exercise control over"?

"Hold authority over" suggests possessing the right to control, while "exercise control over" implies actively using that right.

Are there formal synonyms for "hold authority over"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "have jurisdiction over" or "wield power over" in more formal contexts.

Is it correct to say someone "held authority over" a situation in the past?

Yes, "held authority over" is the correct past tense form. For example, "The previous leader "held authority over" the company's finances."