on whose authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on whose authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when questioning the legitimacy or basis of someone's claim or action, often in a formal or legal context. Example: "On whose authority are you making these changes to the policy?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Respecting the general intentions of the authors to ban cruel and unusual punishment actually requires that hanging be deemed unconstitutional, even though the authors (and those on whose authority they acted) would have rejected this claim.

SEP

Rather, it is to ask: What did they the authors of the constitution or those on whose authority they created the constitution in fact think about those values?

SEP

On whose authority?

The New York Times - Books

When were these arrangements made and on whose authority?

The New York Times

Her letter, seen by The Independent, raises doubts over the legality of the police's approach and asks Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe on whose authority the officers acted.

Independent

We are given to understand that Brody was directed to Caracas by Carrie, but I was never clear on whose authority he was made a prisoner there.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The NSA and its affiliate "five eyes" agencies have gradually unmoored themselves from the rule of law, and it is no longer clear on exactly whose authority they operate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Disputes or concerns about intensive care unit bed allocation decisions, such as their potential to compromise patient safety due to inadequate resources are arbitrated by the Medical Director on Call whose authority to over-rule decisions is established by policy " Core Patient Care Policy Patient Floww".

BMC Health Services Research

The tax is upon the business, and this I have always understood to be lawful, whether the business was carried on by a citizen of the state undel whose authority the exaci on was made, or a citizen of another state, unless there was discrimination against citizens of other states.

Cornell University

Stones have a life of their own, said Ms. Taylor, whose authority on the subject is incontestable.

The New York Times

Newt Gingrich (whose authority on questions of marriage is not unassailable) spoke in support of the amendment, but his supporters will have little incentive to turn out on May 8th.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on whose authority" in formal or legal contexts when questioning the legitimacy of an action or decision. It adds a tone of serious inquiry.

Common error

Avoid using "on whose authority" in informal conversations. It can sound overly formal or even aggressive in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on whose authority" functions as an interrogative phrase used to challenge or question the legitimacy of an action, decision, or statement. It seeks to identify the source of authorization or permission behind a specific act, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on whose authority" is a formal interrogative phrase used to question the legitimacy or basis of an action or decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and most appropriately used in professional, academic, or legal contexts, adding a tone of serious inquiry. While alternatives like "by what authority" exist, understanding the register and context is crucial to ensure its effective use. It's important to note that while less common than simpler alternatives, it's considered "Correct" by Ludwig AI and remains a valuable tool for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

By what authority

More direct and concise way to ask about authorization.

Under whose jurisdiction

Specifically questions the legal power or control.

Who authorized this

Focuses on the person who gave the authorization.

Who gave the order

Implies a command or directive was issued.

On what grounds

Questions the justification or basis for the action.

What is the basis for this

Asks for the foundation or rationale behind the action.

Who is responsible for this decision

Focuses on accountability for the decision.

Who approved this

Questions the approval process and the individual responsible.

What is the justification

Seeks the reasons or rationale for the action.

Where does the power to do this come from

Questions the source of the power or right to act.

FAQs

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

Use "on whose authority" to question the basis of an action or decision, as in "On whose authority was this project initiated?"

What is a more direct alternative to "on whose authority"?

A more direct alternative is "by what authority", which is more concise and equally formal.

Is "on whose authority" appropriate for informal conversations?

No, "on whose authority" is best reserved for formal or professional contexts. In informal settings, consider using "who authorized this" or "who gave the order".

What's the difference between "on whose authority" and "under whose jurisdiction"?

"On whose authority" is a general inquiry about authorization, while "under whose jurisdiction" specifically questions the legal or administrative power to act.