leading authority

USAGE SUMMARY

"leading authority" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to an individual or organization that is well-respected in their field and can be trusted as a source of reliable information on a particular topic. For example: "John Smith is a leading authority on climate change and has written extensively on the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Creative and inspiring consultant, leading authority and bestselling author on workplace relations.

The New York Times

The author, Dr Grinspoon, is the world's leading authority on marijuana.

The Guardian

America's leading authority on van Gogh.

The New Yorker

A leading authority on Anglo-Saxon England.

Britannica

Thereafter he became the centre-right's leading authority on tax.

The Economist

established him as a leading authority on resonator guitars.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Best-selling author James Bamford is one of the world's leading authorities on the NSA.

TechCrunch

Professor Calomiris is one of the country's leading authorities on financial institutions.

Columbia University

Home » People » Alan Kazdin Ph.D. Dr. Alan Kazdin is one of the leading authorities in the world on parenting.

Yale University

Guy M. Kirwan is one of the world's leading authorities on New World birds.

Princeton University

One of the leading authorities in this field is University of California, Santa Barbara marine biologist Gretchen Hofmann.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leading authority" when you want to highlight both the expertise and the recognized influence of a person or organization in a particular domain.

Common error

Avoid using "leading authority" without proper justification. Ensure the individual or organization has a widely recognized reputation and substantial achievements in their field, otherwise, it may sound like an unsubstantiated claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leading authority" functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun to indicate that the person or entity is a highly respected and influential expert in a specific field. This is evidenced by the Ludwig examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

41%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leading authority" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase employed to denote an individual or entity recognized for their superior knowledge and influence within a specific field. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and usable in various contexts. Analysis of the examples demonstrates that its application is most prevalent within news media and academic research, conveying credibility and expertise. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the specific field of expertise to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

principal authority

Emphasizes the primary or main aspect of being an authority.

foremost authority

Emphasizes the position at the front or head, indicating top rank.

preeminent authority

Indicates superiority and outstanding reputation.

top expert

Focuses more on expertise than authority, suggesting a high level of skill and knowledge.

topmost authority

Highlights a supreme position in the field.

chief expert

Highlights the role as the main or principal source of expertise.

prominent expert

Highlights the widespread recognition and fame of the expert.

primary expert

Indicates that the person or institution is the main source of knowledge.

major expert

Emphasizes significant expertise, but may lack the formal connotation of "authority".

recognized expert

Focuses on the acknowledgment of expertise by others.

FAQs

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

You can use "leading authority" to describe someone with recognized expertise in a specific field. For example: "Dr. Smith is a "leading authority" on genetics" or "The Cleveland Clinic, a "top authority" on the subject, says that medicines can be toxins."

What are some alternatives to "leading authority"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "top expert", "principal authority", or "recognized expert".

When is it appropriate to describe someone as a "leading authority"?

It's appropriate when the person has a well-established reputation, extensive knowledge, and significant influence in their field. This is often supported by publications, awards, or recognition from peers.

What makes someone a "leading authority" versus simply an "expert"?

While both terms indicate expertise, "leading authority" implies a higher level of influence and recognition within a field. A "leading authority" is often at the forefront of research, shaping opinions, and setting standards.