presumed authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "presumed authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is assumed to have the power or right to make decisions or give orders, often without explicit confirmation of that power. Example: "The committee acted under the presumed authority of the board, believing they had the right to make such decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

These men had no love of the Vatican or of any presumed authority beyond their walls.

The New Yorker

What if technology's presumed authority in helping us to decide who wins and who loses contains darker possibilities?

The New Yorker

The reason: Brennan's role in targeted killings by drones, and President Obama's presumed authority to kill US citizens, without any due process, if they pose an "imminent threat".

The Guardian - Opinion

Today, however, with poverty and suicide common on reserves, many aboriginal people are resuming their ancient habits of movement – and posing a threat to the government's presumed authority over the land.

The Guardian

The first thing anybody who hates authority — particularly a young person, particularly an artistically inclined young person — should do is to reject the presumed authority of a critic, such as Greif, to obligate them to do anything.

The New Yorker

Although the czars of today are a far cry from their imperial namesakes, they are still in positions of great power and presumed authority.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

How many of us have found great information in some weird corner of the Web, someplace far from the presumed authorities?

Forbes

And served on a combo plate, they offer keener insights into the nature of dynastic power and the nasty consequences of presuming authority by divine right.

The New York Times

They presume authority; in particular, Alvin Epstein, who plays a psychiatrist pronouncing diagnoses on Enrico, gives a rich portrayal of a man pompously groping for the solace of certainty.

The New York Times

The ensuing turmoil would force her to question an old core principle of the writer's vocation, to presume authority, and of woman's vocation, to sacrifice herself for others.

The New Yorker

Mr. Shamos presents Lelie's lovesick randiness with an interesting galaxy of leg twitches and shoulder slouches; he has a vocal quality that, with its braying, both presumes authority and betrays a lack of it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "presumed authority" when you want to emphasize that the authority in question is not explicitly stated or confirmed, but rather assumed or taken for granted. This is particularly effective when discussing power dynamics or challenging the legitimacy of certain claims.

Common error

Avoid using "presumed authority" when the authority is clearly defined or legally established. The phrase works best when there's a degree of ambiguity or question regarding the basis of the authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "presumed authority" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state where authority is taken for granted rather than explicitly granted. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

17%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "presumed authority" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe power or control that is assumed rather than explicitly granted. According to Ludwig AI, it's correct and usable in English, appearing commonly in news, academic, and formal business contexts. When using the expression, it's important to consider the nuances of implied versus explicit authority and avoid applying the expression where authority is clearly defined. Alternatives such as "assumed power" or "implied authority" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assumed power

This alternative focuses on the aspect of power that is being taken for granted.

implied authority

This suggests that the authority is understood but not directly stated.

de facto authority

This phrase indicates authority that exists in practice but may not be officially recognized.

self-proclaimed authority

This emphasizes that the authority is claimed by the person or entity themselves.

ostensible authority

This implies that the authority is presented as legitimate, but may not actually be.

supposed authority

This suggests that the authority is believed to exist, often with a hint of skepticism.

perceived authority

This highlights that the authority is based on how it's seen by others, not necessarily on its reality.

unquestioned authority

This emphasizes that the authority is accepted without challenge.

accepted authority

This shows the authority is widely agreed upon or permitted.

inherent authority

This means the authority comes naturally as a part of a position.

FAQs

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

You can use "presumed authority" to describe a power or right that someone assumes they have. For instance, "The committee acted under the "presumed authority" of the board, believing they had the right to make such decisions."

What are some alternatives to "presumed authority"?

Alternatives include "assumed power", "implied authority", or "de facto authority", each with slightly different nuances.

Is "presumed authority" the same as "delegated authority"?

No, "presumed authority" implies an assumption of power, while "delegated authority" means the power was explicitly granted by someone else. They are essentially opposite concepts.

When is it appropriate to question someone's "presumed authority"?

It is appropriate to question "presumed authority" when the basis of that authority is unclear, when it is being used inappropriately, or when it infringes on the rights or autonomy of others.