ostensible authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ostensible authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or business contexts to refer to a situation where a person appears to have the authority to act on behalf of another, even if they do not have actual authority. Example: "The contractor acted under the ostensible authority of the company, leading clients to believe he was authorized to make decisions on their behalf."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"You are entitled to ask how I presume to write with ostensible authority," Mr. Buckley added.

The New York Times

Despite the exclusion of non-Malays from positions of ostensible authority, much of the civil service rank and file comprised non-Malays, many of them Indians who were specifically brought in for this purpose.

Wikipedia

She could neither show that any person with actual or ostensible authority had made any promise to her, nor that the URA's officers had acted in a way to lead her to have a legitimate expectation that her redevelopment plans would be approved.

Wikipedia

The public body's representation must be clear, unambiguous and devoid of any relevant qualification; induced by the conduct of the decision-maker; made by a person with actual or ostensible authority; and applicable to the applicant, who belongs to the class of persons to whom the representation is reasonably expected to apply.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

His point would not be the anarchist theme that ostensible authorities fail to meet a minimal standard of legitimacy.

SEP

Its ostensible author was then-First-Lady Hillary Clinton.

Forbes

Catholicism was the state religion, and many revolutionary principles received ostensible sanction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Local resistance by the New York authorities was the ostensible reason for the failure and the change of venue back to a military tribunal at Guantanamo.

Huffington Post

His ostensible superior, provincial governor Toryalai Wesa, commanded a fraction of Karzai's authority, despite the full force of American money and manpower backing Wesa up.

The Washington Post

The priests who managed these powerful institutions wielded considerable influence, and despite their ostensible subordination to the king they may have posed significant challenges to his authority.

Wikipedia

In an ostensible effort to tackle the menace posed by organized crime within Amsterdam, city authorities are cracking down on the prevalence of brothels and drug shops in the red light district.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ostensible authority" when you want to emphasize that someone appears to have authority, whether or not they actually possess it. This is particularly useful in legal and business contexts where appearances can have significant consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "ostensible authority" when you mean that someone genuinely has the power to act. "Ostensible authority" implies a discrepancy between appearance and reality, so be sure your word choice reflects that difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ostensible authority" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a type of authority that appears to be real but may not actually exist. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ostensible authority" describes authority that is apparent or seeming, but not necessarily real. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although its frequency is rare. This phrase is most often found in news, wiki, and scientific contexts, highlighting discrepancies between perceived and actual power. When writing, remember that it's important not to confuse this with genuine authority. Use alternatives such as "apparent authority" when nuance is needed. By understanding these subtle but important differences, we can use "ostensible authority" effectively to convey complex ideas with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apparent authority

Focuses on the perception of authority rather than the reality.

seeming authority

Emphasizes the surface-level impression of authority.

presumed authority

Highlights that the authority is assumed, possibly without solid basis.

outward authority

Stresses the external appearance of having authority.

professed authority

Indicates that the authority is claimed or declared openly.

purported authority

Suggests that the authority is alleged or presented as true, but may be questionable.

nominal authority

Implies that the authority exists in name only, without real power.

ostensive power

Switches 'authority' with 'power' to emphasize the apparent ability to act.

ostensible control

Substitutes 'authority' with 'control', highlighting the apparent ability to manage.

surface-level authority

Highlights that the authority is evident only on the surface.

FAQs

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

You can use "ostensible authority" to describe a situation where someone appears to have authority, even if they don't actually possess it. For example: "The employee acted under the "ostensible authority" of the manager when signing the contract."

What's the difference between "ostensible authority" and actual authority?

"Ostensible authority" refers to the appearance of having authority, while actual authority means someone genuinely possesses the power to act. If someone has actual authority, they truly have the rights and powers, whereas "ostensible authority" suggests only an appearance of it.

What are some alternatives to "ostensible authority"?

Some alternatives to "ostensible authority" include "apparent authority", "seeming authority", or "presumed authority". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the term "ostensible authority"?

It's best to use "ostensible authority" in legal or business contexts when describing situations where someone's perceived authority is relevant, regardless of whether they actually hold that power. For example, when discussing contractual obligations or liability issues arising from someone acting under "ostensible authority".