in the authority of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the authority of" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It can be used in contexts where someone is acting under the power or permission granted by a specific authority, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "The decision was made in the authority of the board of directors."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

My absolute faith in the authority of the police has been betrayed.

The New York Times

Later critics found justification for their own predilections in the authority of Greek drama and Aristotle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Obama chose to cloak his quotation from the sometimes intemperate Paine in the authority of the respectable George Washington.

The New York Times

And 77 percent said someone who did not believe in the authority of the pope could still be a good Catholic.

The New York Times

"This is an attempt to interfere in our internal affairs, in the authority of Russia's investigative and judicial organs, which continue to investigate the Magnitsky case".

The New York Times

In a number of cases, it said, there appeared to be no clear sense of limits in the authority of local police officers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

For, in Iran, the authority of the state is being concentrated and strengthened.

Independent

Competence and jurisdiction, in law, the authority of a court to deal with specific matters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For some people, many in fact, the authority of the white coat has a backlash.

Huffington Post

The definitive list of 88 constellations was established in 1930 under the authority of the International Astronomical Union.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1795, the authorities of Speenhamland, a village in Berkshire, authorised a means-tested sliding scale of wage supplements.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the authority of", ensure the context clearly identifies the specific entity or source wielding the power or control. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement's credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "in the authority of" when the action or decision is merely influenced by, rather than directly mandated by, a specific authority. Use phrases like "with the support of" or "based on the recommendations of" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the authority of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the source or legitimacy behind an action, decision, or statement. Ludwig shows it connecting actions to specific powers or permissions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the authority of" functions as a prepositional phrase, primarily used to legitimize actions or decisions by linking them to a specific power or source. While Ludwig AI identifies it as acceptable, it notes the phrase may sound awkward and suggests alternatives like "under the authority of" or "by the authority of". It commonly appears in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, reflecting a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, ensure clear attribution to the source of authority to avoid ambiguity and enhance credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the jurisdiction of

Specifies a legal or official area of control or responsibility.

by the power vested in

Highlights the source of authority or legal right.

with the authorization from

Emphasizes the permission or approval granted by an authority.

pursuant to the direction of

Indicates action taken following the instructions or guidance of a superior.

subject to the control of

Indicates being under the influence or command of an authority.

governed by the regulations of

Highlights that something is controlled by a specific set of rules issued by an authority.

mandated by

Signifies that something is required or ordered by authority.

sanctioned by

Indicates official approval or permission from a recognized authority.

with the endorsement of

Highlights the support or recommendation from an authority.

backed by the legitimacy of

Implies that something has authority because it is based on established or recognized principles.

FAQs

What does "in the authority of" mean?

The phrase "in the authority of" signifies that an action, decision, or statement is being made or carried out under the power, control, or permission granted by a specific person or body. It indicates a formal delegation or source of legitimacy.

When is it appropriate to use "in the authority of"?

Use "in the authority of" when emphasizing that something is done with the explicit sanction or power derived from a recognized source. It is suitable for formal contexts where the legitimacy and backing of an action need to be highlighted.

What can I say instead of "in the authority of"?

You can use alternatives like "under the jurisdiction of", "by the power vested in", or "with the authorization from" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "in the authority of" and "under the authority of"?

While similar, "in the authority of" emphasizes the source of the power, while "under the authority of" focuses on the state of being controlled or governed. Both can be used to indicate that an action is legitimate because it is sanctioned, but "under the authority of" is more commonly used.