impose authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impose authority" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express someone taking on an authoritative role or attempting to control a situation. For example, "He imposed his authority by taking charge of the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"The only way he had to impose authority was violence".

The New York Times - Sports

The voters duly gave Mr Uribe a clear mandate to impose authority.

The Economist

Augustine was both a Caecilianist today we'd say a Catholic and determined to restore order, his order, and impose authority in his diocese.

The Economist

He said there was now an absence of boundaries and an absence of respect, and called for adults and teachers to be given back the "right to impose authority".

Independent

Intelligence experts say there is no strict formula for success: some career intelligence officers have proved to be dismal as directors, while others have succeeded; some outsiders have proved to be prescient, effective leaders, while others have found it impossible to impose authority over what remains an insular and secretive agency.

The New York Times

More generally, on views that conceive of morality as at least partly originating from rational agents actively binding, obligating, or imposing authority on one another, it is easy to see why those with sufficient cognitive capacity to impose authority on others would have FMS that others are bound to respect.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

And Novella Nelson, a guest artist, sang with imposing authority.

The New York Times - Arts

The mob still prevails in the south, where would-be leaders of the rebels are having an even tougher time imposing authority.

The Economist

But even her critics concede that there is no unifying rival capable of imposing authority, a fresh image or new thinking.

The Economist

The federal government, having gathered to itself all power seems mired in the limitations of imposed authority... Indeed, our state might be described as one of pained hypnosis..

The New Yorker

Many of the top riders over the decades have come from Scots-Irish stock, with a tradition, bred by history, of defying imposed authority.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about institutional authority, such as governmental or organizational structures, consider using "impose authority" to describe the enforcement of rules, regulations, or policies.

Common error

Avoid using "impose authority" when describing actions that simply demonstrate leadership or influence without a clear element of enforced control. "Exercising leadership" or "showing initiative" may be more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "impose authority" is that of a verb phrase functioning as the predicate of a sentence, indicating an action performed by a subject. It signifies the act of enforcing or establishing control. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment, confirming its usability and correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "impose authority" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes the act of asserting control or dominance, as confirmed by Ludwig. While not exceedingly common, it frequently appears in news and media, encyclopedias and science. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates who is "imposing authority" and on whom. Consider alternatives like "exert control" or "enforce dominance" to better suit your specific intent. As Ludwig has demonstrated, "impose authority" is a valuable tool for expressing the establishment of control in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert control

Focuses on the act of exercising control rather than specifically establishing authority.

enforce dominance

Highlights the enforcement aspect of authority, implying a power dynamic.

exercise power

Emphasizes the use of power, a component of authority, but not necessarily its establishment.

assert influence

Implies a more subtle form of authority based on persuasion and impact.

take command

Focuses on assuming a leadership role and giving orders.

lay down the law

An idiomatic expression indicating the establishment of rules and regulations.

dictate terms

Suggests a forceful imposition of conditions without negotiation.

establish supremacy

Highlights the creation of a superior position of power.

mandate obedience

Focuses on requiring compliance through authority.

dominate proceedings

Implies taking a leading role in a specific event or process.

FAQs

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

You can use "impose authority" to describe someone taking control or establishing dominance. For example: "The new manager aimed to "impose authority" by implementing stricter rules".

What are some alternatives to "impose authority"?

Alternatives include "exert control", "enforce dominance", or "exercise power", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "impose authority on" someone or something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "impose authority on". It clarifies who or what is being subjected to the authority. For example: "The government sought to "impose authority" on the rebellious region".

What is the difference between "impose authority" and "establish authority"?

"Impose authority" suggests a more forceful or immediate action of taking control, while "establish authority" implies a gradual process of building and legitimizing control over time.