of varying authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of varying authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has different levels or degrees of power, influence, or control. Example: "The committee was composed of members from various departments, each with varying authority over the project's direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Singles of varying authority ensue.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Commentators of varying degrees of authority have attempted to fill the blank canvas with theories ranging from an accident to suicidal tendencies on the flight deck, and conspiracies of a complexity that would seem farfetched in a disaster film.Hijacking seems unlikely: flight-deck doors are locked and sturdy.

The Economist

The head of the board's work permit unit, Alejandro Firpo, said his agency issued permits of varying duration but had a very limited authority to follow up on abuses, which was a matter for unions, employers and workers.

The New York Times

The head of the board's work permit unit, Alejandro Firpo, said his agency issued permits of varying duration but had a very limited authority to follow up on abuses, which is a matter for unions, employers and workers.

The New York Times

The project requires joint working between many semi-independent organisations of varying capability, including 150 local authorities, 160 acute hospital trusts and 52 mental health trusts.

The Guardian

Eight Brittany bays, including Douarnenez, have been identified by the regional water authority as having had annual green tides of varying scale since 1988.

The New York Times

The "threats" the authorities responded to in these incidents are of varying levels of seriousness.

Vice

Scholars of varying ideological persuasions have castigated the Court and issued profound challenges to its authority.

Huffington Post

After government authority collapsed in much of eastern Libya, residents set up what they call local councils of varying numbers of representatives — three in Darnah, six in Bayda.

The New York Times

The periods are of varying lengths.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Several toggle bolts of varying sizes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of varying authority" to describe a group of people with different levels of power.

Common error

Avoid using "of varying authority" when you actually mean that there is a lack of authority altogether. The phrase implies that authority exists, but at different levels, not that it is absent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of varying authority" typically functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, describing the differing levels of power or control associated with it. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is considered grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "of varying authority" is a prepositional phrase used to describe differences in levels of power or control. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While "of varying authority" is relatively versatile, it's important to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the existence of authority at different levels, rather than a complete absence of it. Alternatives like "with differing levels of authority" or "with diverse authority levels" may offer more precise nuances depending on the specific context. The phrase is best suited for neutral to formal communication, fitting well within professional and academic discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with differing levels of authority

Focuses on the 'levels' aspect, highlighting a hierarchical difference rather than a general variation.

with diverse authority levels

Emphasizes the 'diversity' in authority, suggesting a broader range of different authorities.

exhibiting a range of authority

Highlights the spectrum or 'range' of authority that is present.

showing different degrees of power

Replaces 'authority' with 'power', focusing on the capacity to influence or control.

possessing varied levels of control

Shifts the focus to 'control' rather than 'authority', emphasizing the ability to manage or direct something.

having a spectrum of influence

Replaces 'authority' with 'influence', emphasizing the ability to affect outcomes or behaviors.

demonstrating a gradation in authority

Uses 'gradation' to emphasize the incremental changes in authority.

with a sliding scale of power

Introduces the concept of a 'sliding scale', suggesting a continuous adjustment in power.

displaying fluctuating levels of control

Uses 'fluctuating' to indicate that the levels of control are not static but change over time.

reflecting variable authority standings

Focuses on the 'standings' aspect, suggesting a difference in the relative positions of authority.

FAQs

How can I use "of varying authority" in a sentence?

You can use "of varying authority" to describe entities or individuals that possess different levels of control or power. For instance, "The committee was composed of members from various departments, each with "of varying authority" over the project's direction."

What are some alternatives to using "of varying authority"?

Alternatives include phrases like "with differing levels of authority", "with diverse authority levels", or "exhibiting a range of authority", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "authorities of varying power" instead of "of varying authority"?

While "authorities of varying power" is grammatically correct, it shifts the focus to the entities ('authorities') rather than the abstract concept of authority itself. "Of varying authority" directly modifies a noun or concept related to authority.

What is the difference between "of varying authority" and "of varying degrees of authority"?

"Of varying degrees of authority" is more emphatic, highlighting that the differences in authority are measured in distinct increments or levels. "Of varying authority" is a more general statement of difference.