prerogative

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "prerogative" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a right or privilege that is exclusive to a certain person or group. Example sentence: It is the prerogative of the president to appoint members to the supreme court.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cameron, and others less combatively, complain that Juncker is being imposed by a parliamentary coup, usurping the prerogative of national leaders to agree on the nomination.

The Guardian

However, these policies were and are neither particularly radical, nor are they the prerogative of Blairites.

The Guardian

Rand Paul urged President Obama to declassify 28 additional pages of the 9/11 commission's report on Tuesday, but made clear that he does not intend to exercise his constitutional prerogative as a senator and read the pages on the floor of Congress – yet.

The Guardian

The home secretary has used the royal prerogative 14 times to refuse applications for passports or confiscate them.

The Guardian

In a speech in 1930, Baldwin denounced "falsehood, misrepresentation and half-truths" in the two papers, accusing their owners of seeking "power without responsibility – the prerogative of the harlot throughout the ages", remarks which, according to one account, caused reporters "to jump out of their skins to a man".

The Guardian - Opinion

In contrast, there was little life in the pitches during the England series, where the hosts used their prerogative to slow the wickets down to maximise the effectiveness of Graeme Swann.

The Guardian - Sport

"They have had a year and a half to exercise that prerogative and, now that they have blown through that deadline, most people would acknowledge that is a privilege they should relinquish … rather than get into additional political gamesmanship".

The Guardian

Apple Pay, launched in America last year, allows people to pay in shops with a mere tap of a phone or watch, gatecrashing a payments ecosystem that used to be the prerogative of the banks.

The Economist

Of these, some say that administering the sacraments (to put it simply, rites in which God's grace is mysteriously invoked) is a male-only prerogative; others take literally the teaching of Saint Paul that authority in the church is best handled by men.In this section Island savages Labour's flawed record Foot off the pedal Ebbing When compromise fails Clegg, over?

The Economist

American frackers are now the world's swing producers, reacting to price fluctuations in a way that was once the prerogative of the Saudis.

The Economist

Despite attempts to craft versions of this device that can be worn by women, condoms are largely a male prerogative.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prerogative" when emphasizing a right or privilege that is exclusive to a particular person or group, especially one derived from their position or status.

Common error

Avoid using "prerogative" when referring to rights that are not exclusive or specific to a particular role or position. Use more general terms like "right" or "privilege" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "prerogative" is to act as a noun, denoting a specific right or privilege held by a person or group, often due to their position or status. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is usable in written English and examples are available from diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

22%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prerogative" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun that denotes an exclusive right or privilege, often tied to a specific role or status. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is widely accepted in written English. The term is most commonly found in news and media, formal business settings, and, to a lesser extent, in scientific contexts. When using "prerogative", ensure that you are referring to a right that is indeed exclusive to a particular entity. Alternatives include "exclusive right", "privilege", and "entitlement", each carrying slightly different nuances. Ludwig's examples highlight the varied contexts in which "prerogative" can be effectively employed, making it a versatile and valuable term in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclusive right

Emphasizes the exclusivity of the right or power.

inherent right

Focuses on the right being intrinsic or naturally belonging to someone.

vested right

Highlights the security and established nature of the right.

privilege

A general term for a special advantage or entitlement.

entitlement

Suggests a justified claim or right to something.

perquisite

An incidental benefit or advantage, often associated with a particular position.

advantage

A beneficial condition or opportunity.

birthright

A right or privilege inherited by birth.

franchise

A right or privilege officially granted to a person or group.

licence

A permission or authority to do something.

FAQs

How to use "prerogative" in a sentence?

You can use "prerogative" to describe a right or privilege exclusive to a specific person or group. For example, "It is the president's "sole prerogative" to nominate Supreme Court justices".

What can I say instead of "prerogative"?

You can use alternatives like "exclusive right", "privilege", or "entitlement" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "prerogative" or "right"?

"Prerogative" refers to a specific kind of right that is exclusive to someone by virtue of their position or status. "Right" is a more general term. Using "prerogative" implies exclusivity, which isn't always the case with a simple right.

What's the difference between "prerogative" and "authority"?

"Prerogative" is a right or privilege, often tied to a position, while "authority" is the power or right to give orders or make decisions. One may have the "authority" to do something, but the "prerogative" defines the boundaries of that authority.