mandate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mandate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an official order or command, often in a legal or organizational context. Example: "The government issued a mandate requiring all citizens to wear masks in public spaces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Politics

Law

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Therefore, I have decided to lay down my mandate at an extraordinary elective Congress.

The Guardian - Sport

It is essentially clear that the four more liberal members of the Court will vote in favor of the mandate.

The New York Times

We are halfway through the mandate argument; the SG is done.

The New York Times

Mandate is in trouble.

The New York Times

Now the Harlow MP's mandate will reach beyond policy to inform the way Tory candidates are selected, with an emphasis on diversity of class as much as ethnicity, and the way new supporters are signed up and engaged.

The Guardian - Opinion

She'd been frozen out of the ruling party, and Mutharika had tried to fire her several times, but she'd clung on for dear life to her constitutional mandate.

The Guardian

We have a mandate for a sustainable solution within the eurozone Yannis Dragasakis Athens is in a race against the clock to unlock €7.2bn (£5.3bn) in rescue loans the EU and IMF have refused to disburse until the government delivers a convincing package of reforms.

The Guardian

This is a massive mandate for action and shows the anger of safety-critical staff across the rail network at attacks on their standards of living and their job security.

The Guardian

A spokesman for Almunia told the Guardian that after discussions with the UK authorities, he would "propose to the college of commissioners to take a positive decision and in principle the decision should be taken during this mandate of the commission in October".

The Guardian

"If I find myself in a difficult position – I hope I don't – that pushes me beyond the limits [of his mandate] I will resort to the people, obviously not through elections but with a referendum.

The Guardian - Business

In a time of collapsing public confidence in the political classes across Europe, Orbán can claim to be unique – a gifted, popular strongman with the most formidable electoral mandate in the EU.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mandate", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and scope of the authority being granted. For example, specify whether it's a legal, political, or organizational mandate.

Common error

Avoid using "mandate" to describe general preferences or opinions. A "mandate" implies a formal and authoritative backing, not just widespread agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mandate" primarily functions as a noun, representing an official order or commission. Ludwig provides examples showing its usage in political, legal, and organizational contexts, reinforcing its role as a term denoting authority and instruction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "mandate" signifies an official order or commission, often used in legal, political, or organizational contexts. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and its frequency is very common, predominantly appearing in news and media sources. When writing, it's essential to ensure the context reflects formal authority and avoid overstating its scope. Synonyms like "authorization" and "directive" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authorization

Emphasizes the permission or approval granted to act.

official command

Highlights the authoritative nature of the instruction.

directive

Focuses on a specific instruction or order.

instruction

General term for guidance or orders given.

decree

Implies a formal and authoritative order.

warrant

Suggests a legal or official authorization.

commission

Refers to the act of entrusting someone with a task or authority.

charge

Implies a responsibility or duty assigned.

empowerment

Highlights the act of giving power or authority to someone.

delegation of authority

Focuses on the act of assigning responsibility and power.

FAQs

How is the word "mandate" typically used in a sentence?

The word "mandate" is typically used to describe an official order or commission to do something. For example: "The election victory gave the president a clear "mandate" to implement their policies."

What are some synonyms for "mandate"?

Some synonyms for "mandate" include "authorization", "directive", "instruction", and "decree". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say a company has a "mandate" to innovate?

Yes, it can be correct if the company has been given a clear instruction or commission, possibly by its board or shareholders, to prioritize innovation. However, ensure the use of "mandate" reflects a formal directive, not just a general desire.

What's the difference between a "mandate" and a "recommendation"?

A "mandate" is a command or instruction that must be followed. A "recommendation", on the other hand, is a suggestion or advice that can be considered but is not obligatory. A "recommendation" does not carry the same weight or authority as a "mandate".