implicit authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "implicit authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a type of authority that is not explicitly stated but is understood or assumed in a given context. Example: "The manager's implicit authority was evident in the way the team followed her lead without question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Editors who register an account, and who contribute regularly and in a manner that conforms to the nature of Wikipedia, gain implicit authority.

The Economist

The amendment was in clear conflict with a landmark 2007 Supreme Court decision giving the agency explicit authority to regulate such gases from vehicles and implicit authority to regulate them from other sources.

The New York Times

The Security Council broadly authorized the use of necessary means to enforce these resolutions, which Democratic and Republican administrations have since cited as implicit authority for the no-flight zones.

The New York Times

What resulted was the classic "I have giant piles of money and am paying for you to make your 'art,' but I've lost all patience with you and have therefore hired another guy to cut the movie even though you have the implicit authority to reject that cut, and now everything has turned to poison" Hollywood standoff.

The New York Times - Magazine

Major figures in Congress have said repeatedly that this law does not give the president such sweeping powers; Mr. Yoo, meanwhile, contends that the ambiguous wording covers everything from the implicit power "to detain enemy combatants" to the implicit authority "to carry out electronic surveillance to prevent further attacks".

The New York Times - Books

The sole superpower and its several allies in the action argued that since Iraq was in material breach of several previous Security Council resolutions, they had the implicit authority to go to war and even to launch a cruise-missile attack in an attempt to assassinate the Iraqi head of state despite the fact that this action itself was in violation of the UN Charter and international law.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Yet neither side would be likely to accept the implicit supranational authority this would entail.

The Economist

With that appointment, and the implicit personal authority conveyed therein, came a critical, and not entirely intended, shift in American postwar policy.

The New Yorker

In fact, I state on Page 39 of my book that when Lincoln suspended habeas corpus "Congress was not in session, and there is an argument for recognizing an implicit presidential authority to suspend habeas corpus when Congress is unable to do so but the public safety requires that it be done".

The New York Times

The limited oversight implicit in the authority to depose the leader under extraordinary circumstances is unanimously acknowledged.

The Guardian

This is especially true of junior researchers, who are aware that overzealous replication can be seen as an implicit challenge to authority.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "implicit authority" when you want to emphasize that power or control is understood or assumed, rather than explicitly stated or granted. This is useful in describing social dynamics or organizational structures.

Common error

Avoid using "implicit authority" when "explicit authority" is more appropriate. "Explicit authority" refers to power that is clearly stated and defined, so choose the term that accurately reflects the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "implicit authority" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a type of power or control that is not explicitly stated but is understood or inferred. This is consistent with examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "implicit authority" refers to power or control that is understood or assumed, rather than explicitly stated. As noted by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and mostly common in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts. Alternatives like "tacit power" or "unstated authority" can be used to convey similar meanings. When writing, be mindful of the distinction between implicit and explicit authority to ensure accurate communication. Although not overly frequent, this term appears consistently across reputable sources, signaling its validity in formal and informal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tacit power

Emphasizes the unspoken or unwritten nature of the power.

unstated authority

Highlights that the authority is not formally declared.

implied power

Focuses on the suggestion or inference of power.

assumed authority

Indicates that the authority is taken for granted or supposed.

understood authority

Highlights the shared understanding of authority.

inherent authority

Suggests the authority naturally exists as part of someone or something.

de facto authority

Implies the authority exists in practice, even if not legally recognized.

unofficial authority

Underscores the informal nature of the authority.

inferred authority

Focuses on drawing authority from indirect evidence or reasoning.

presumed authority

Authority that is supposed to be the case, but without proof.

FAQs

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

You can use "implicit authority" to describe situations where someone's power is understood but not directly stated. For example, "The experienced team leader wielded "implicit authority" due to her years of expertise".

What's the difference between "implicit authority" and "explicit authority"?

"Implicit authority" refers to power that is understood or assumed, while "explicit authority" is power that is clearly stated or formally granted. One is tacit, the other is overt.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "implicit authority"?

You can use alternatives like "tacit power", "unstated authority", or "implied power" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the term "implicit authority"?

Use "implicit authority" when describing relationships or situations where power dynamics are at play but not formally recognized. This can be common in family structures, informal work environments, or social groups.