position of authority

USAGE SUMMARY

"position of authority" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It refers to a position or role in which someone has power, control, or influence over others. Example: The CEO holds a high position of authority in the company and makes all major decisions. In this example, "position of authority" emphasizes the CEO's level of power and control within the company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Alfonso relished his position of authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The position of authority chairman is unpaid.

The New York Times

Before he held a position of authority, he saw the importance of inclusiveness.

The New York Times - Sports

But he must be cautious not to exploit his position of authority.

The New York Times - Magazine

To him, hacking is almost a sport, played against someone in a position of authority.

The New Yorker

Membership in the poro is necessary for anyone in a position of authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Every man I ran across in any position of authority was suspect.

The New Yorker

Whenever you accept a job, you cede certain rights to those in a position of authority.

The New York Times - Magazine

But even those in a position of authority acknowledge that these moves are, at best, incremental.

The New York Times

"The defendant essentially exploited his position of authority and trust," the prosecutor, Robert Brennan, said.

The New York Times

But the faculty here will need to be willing to give up their position of authority.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing ethical implications, use "position of authority" to underscore the responsibility and potential for abuse inherent in the role. For example: "He abused his position of authority to exploit vulnerable individuals."

Common error

Avoid using "position of authority" when simply referring to someone with specialized knowledge. Authority implies control or influence, not just competence. If someone is knowledgeable, but does not exert control, use 'expert' or 'specialist' instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "position of authority" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a role or rank that grants an individual control, influence, or power over others. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Huffington Post

7%

Vice

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "position of authority" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that signifies a role or rank conferring control and influence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is widely employed in news, encyclopedias, and other media sources. It is usually adopted in professional, neutral and formal contexts. While the phrase itself is neutral, it's often used to address themes about the responsibility and abuse of authority. Remember to use "position of authority" to define roles with influence, and differentiate authority from mere expertise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leadership role

Focuses more on the act of leading rather than the formal placement.

management position

Implies a role focused on overseeing and directing resources and people.

influential post

Highlights the capacity to affect decisions or actions of others.

commanding role

Emphasizes the aspect of giving orders and having them followed.

supervisory capacity

Suggests a role that involves overseeing and directing the work of others.

executive position

Denotes a role within the higher levels of an organization, often involved in strategic decision-making.

governing role

Pertains to the act of ruling or controlling a group or organization.

official capacity

Highlights the formal and legitimate nature of the role.

high office

Indicates a senior or important position, often in government or a similar organization.

senior role

Focuses on the level of experience and responsibility, typically in a professional setting.

FAQs

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

You can use "position of authority" to describe someone who has power or control due to their job or role. For example, "The manager used their "position of authority" to make important decisions."

What is a synonym for "position of authority"?

Synonyms for "position of authority" include "leadership role", "management position", or "influential post". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "position of authority" and "position of power"?

"Position of authority" generally refers to a formal role or title that grants power, while "position of power" can be broader, including informal influence. Someone in a "position of authority" typically has legitimate, recognized control. The "position of power" can be achieved without any legitimate title.

Is it always negative to talk about a "position of authority"?

No, "position of authority" is a neutral term. However, it's often used when discussing responsibility, ethics, or potential abuse of power. For example: "With his "position of authority", he was able to implement crucial organizational changes".