literary authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "literary authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person or entity that has recognized expertise or influence in the field of literature. Example: "The author's work has established her as a literary authority, often consulted for her insights on contemporary fiction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

During those years he became the greatest living literary authority in Germany after J.W. von Goethe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Like many modernist poets, Adonis borrows literary authority from the tradition he declares obsolete.

The New Yorker

The Observer's 1966 review (below) discusses Plath's literary authority and "unwinking intelligence".

The Guardian

"So for once in my life/ let me get what I want…" That he did seems to indicate that Penguin Books – now merged with Random House – has, after 78 blessed years of blending literary authority with popular appeal, ceased to care for anything beyond its bottom line.

Independent

Simmy Richman wrote in The Independent that it is "the most poetic and powerful of Irving's work to date", and called Irving "the only modern American writer able to seamlessly merge the small detail with the significant event, while writing books that balance literary authority with mass-market appeal".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Mr. Senber has six literary authorities to back up "Shoemakers".

The New Yorker

At the end of the war, Fallada was embraced by the new East German literary authorities.

The Guardian - Books

The issue was ultimately smoothed over, but it alerted the literary authorities that they could push the usually low-key Mr. Voznesensky only so far.

The New York Times - Books

It is intended not as a piece of literary craftsmanship, but as a picture of conditions done as simply and effectively as the English language will permit … It makes one feel that American criticism is the joke which English literary authorities maintain it to be.

The Guardian - Books

At age sixteen, he released his first substantial poems under the pseudonym Bhānusiṃha ("Sun Lion"), which were seized upon by literary authorities as long-lost classics.

Wikipedia

The literary agency dissolved.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "literary authority", consider whether "literary expertise" or "literary influence" might be more precise depending on the aspect you wish to emphasize.

Common error

Avoid using "literary authority" to describe someone simply because they are a published author or have personal opinions about literature. The term implies a widely recognized and respected expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "literary authority" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or appositive. It identifies someone or something possessing recognized expertise and influence in the field of literature. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "literary authority" is a noun phrase used to describe an individual or entity recognized for their expertise and influence in the field of literature. Ludwig AI indicates the term is grammatically correct and usable. Its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki sources. When using the term, ensure the context clearly establishes the basis for the authority's recognized position. Related terms include "literary expertise" and "authority in literature", which may provide a more precise nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authority in literature

Reverses the order of the words, maintaining the core meaning with a slightly different emphasis.

literary expertise

Focuses specifically on the skill and knowledge within the field, rather than the power derived from it.

recognized literary expert

Highlights the widespread acknowledgement of someone's literary knowledge and skill.

literary influence

Highlights the capacity to affect literary trends or the work of other writers.

preeminent literary voice

Focuses on the power and importance of someone's perspective within literature.

leading literary figure

Emphasizes the person's prominence and importance in the literary world.

esteemed literary critic

Highlights the respect and admiration held for someone who evaluates literature.

acknowledged literary master

Emphasizes the exceptional skill and widespread recognition of someone as a master of literature.

literary standing

Refers to the reputation and position that someone holds within the literary community.

literary eminence

Highlights the high rank and distinction achieved in the field of literature.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The professor is a recognized "literary authority" on Shakespeare, frequently consulted for interpretations of his plays".

What is a synonym for "literary authority"?

Alternatives include "literary expert", "authority in literature", or "leading literary figure", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What does it mean to have "literary authority"?

To have "literary authority" means to possess recognized expertise, influence, and credibility within the field of literature, often based on extensive knowledge, critical acclaim, and significant contributions to literary discourse.

How does "literary authority" differ from "literary critic"?

"Literary critic" refers to someone who evaluates and analyzes literature, while ""literary authority"" implies a broader recognition of expertise and influence that may extend beyond criticism to include scholarship, teaching, and shaping literary trends.