on the authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the authority" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when referencing or citing the source of information or evidence that supports a statement or claim. Example: "According to recent reports, on the authority of the CEO of the company, profits have increased by 10% in the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This time his highly-clipped 1950s BBC voice takes on the authority of a doctor.

The Guardian - Books

What RSS did was create and nurture an information landscape based on the authority of the author.

TechCrunch

William Pat Schuberer, one of Christie's appointees on the authority that operates the bridge, testified recently that he didn't either.

Los Angeles Times

On the authority of what superior wisdom?

The Washington Post

Mr. Bateman will remain on the authority as a member.

The New York Times

Disciples shared the orthodox Protestant emphasis on the authority of Scripture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such "reservations" are an essential constraint on the authority of the bishops.

The New York Times

This boosted their knife-edge lead on the authority to three seats.

Independent

Guyon was accordingly arrested and imprisoned again in December 1695 on the authority of the king.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We believe that this resolution clearly infringes on the authority of the Security Council.

Yale University

'Order affirmed on the authority of Cohen v. Hurley, 366 U.S. 117, 81 S.Ct.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be specific about the authority you are referencing. Instead of saying 'on the authority of experts', name the specific expert or organization.

Common error

Avoid using "on the authority of" to cite sources that are not credible or lack verifiable information. Citing unreliable sources can undermine your credibility and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the authority" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun. It indicates the source or justification for an action, statement, or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and common English construction. Examples in Ludwig show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the authority" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that lends credibility to statements and actions by citing a specific source or justification. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in news media, academic writing, and encyclopedias, and tends to convey a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, it is crucial to cite reliable sources to maintain credibility. While "on the authority" is useful across a range of writing scenarios, options for rewording include phrases such as "according to" or "based on".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on the word of

Implies reliance on someone's statement or testimony; places emphasis on the individual's credibility.

according to the dictates of

Indicates adherence to a principle or standard; suggests moral or ethical guidance.

with the endorsement of

Implies approval or support from a respected figure or organization.

drawing upon the expertise of

Emphasizes the use of someone's specialized knowledge or skill.

by virtue of the power of

Highlights the legal or official basis for an action; suggests a formal delegation of authority.

under the auspices of

Suggests official sponsorship or supervision.

relying on the assurance of

Highlights the trust placed in someone's guarantee or promise.

in reliance upon the veracity of

A formal expression highlighting the reliance on the truthfulness of someone.

on the strength of

Suggests that something is valid or justifiable because of a particular quality or fact.

as certified by

Indicates official confirmation or validation of something.

FAQs

How can I use "on the authority" in a sentence?

Use "on the authority of" to indicate that a statement or action is supported or justified by a particular person or source. For example: "The project was approved "on the authority" of the director."

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

You can use alternatives like "according to", "based on", or "by the power of" depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "on the authority of" or "according to"?

"On the authority of" is generally considered more formal than "according to". Use "on the authority of" when you want to emphasize the official or authoritative nature of the source.

What's the difference between "on the authority of" and "with the approval of"?

"On the authority of" implies that an action is justified by someone's power or knowledge, while "with the approval of" simply means someone has given their consent. Therefore, "with the approval of" implies a formal process of endorsement, whereas "on the authority" may imply more an implicit allowance.