primary authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to the main or most important source of information or power on a particular subject. Example: "In legal matters, the primary authority on this issue is the Supreme Court ruling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

I found this then – and continue to find it – alien, and diminishing to the primary authority of the author and of his or her words on the page.

The Guardian - Books

But he said the administration had relied on the Congressional Budget Office as "the primary authority" on the overall cost.

The New York Times

But as more conflicts have erupted, the government has consistently reaffirmed the primary authority of the party.

The New York Times

The primary authority scheme, which allows businesses to get advice on regulation from a single local council, will be extended.

The Guardian

It must be remembered that at that time Paul had been adopted as a primary authority by the Gnostic heretics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The statutes give the E.P.A. "the primary authority to set standards and enforce them if the states won't do it," he told me.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Moreover, "truth telling", or the disclosure of terminal diagnosis or other bad news can be a dilemma as the participants in this study described experiencing difficulty to reveal directly to the patient scaring diagnosis in the face of family and gender dynamics where migrant men may feel entitled as the primary authorities to receiving medical information concerning members of their families.

BMC Health Services Research

The caregivers described their frustrations over what they viewed as patriarchal cultural practices that make men consider themselves as the primary authorities for giving/receiving medical information about other family members and protecting them, thus challenging the Swedish guidelines which stipulate communicating exclusively with the patient.

BMC Health Services Research

The primary cause, authority officials said, is dwindling financial support from the federal government.

The New York Times

(Though the Saudis had primary legal authority, the F.B.I. is charged with investigating the deaths of Americans overseas).

The New Yorker

Gnod 'jom) by "the foremost, Great Middle Way master Vasubandhu," stand as the primary scriptural authority for the Great Middle Way doctrine, superior even to the partial truths revealed by Nāgārjuna.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "primary authority", ensure the context clearly defines the scope of that authority. For instance, specify the area in which the authority is primary to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "primary authority" implies absolute control. Even a primary authority may have limitations or be subject to oversight. Define the boundaries of the authority clearly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary authority" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies an entity possessing the foremost or dominant power, control, or influence within a specific context. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "primary authority" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies the main or foremost source of power, control, or influence, as highlighted by Ludwig. Grammatically correct and versatile, it appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While denoting significant power, it does not always imply absolute control, as noted in the writing guidance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness, offering various examples across diverse domains. Alternatives include "chief authority" and "principal authority", which emphasize the top-ranking position.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chief authority

Replaces "primary" with "chief", emphasizing the top-ranking position.

principal authority

Substitutes "primary" with "principal", highlighting the main or foremost authority.

main authority

Uses "main" instead of "primary", denoting the most important authority.

supreme power

Replaces "authority" with "power", focusing on the ultimate control or influence.

leading force

Shifts from "authority" to "force", indicating a dominant influence or driver.

ultimate decision-maker

Specifies the role of the authority as the final arbiter.

key figure

Focuses on the individual who holds the main authority.

central command

Emphasizes the position of central control and direction.

head of command

Highlights the leadership aspect of the authority.

overriding influence

Focuses on the pervasive effect and control the authority exerts.

FAQs

How is "primary authority" used in legal contexts?

In law, "primary authority" refers to sources of law that courts must follow, such as statutes, case law, and regulations. Secondary sources like legal treatises are not considered "primary authority".

What's the difference between "primary authority" and secondary authority?

"Primary authority" is binding law, while secondary authority is persuasive but not binding. For example, a Supreme Court ruling is "primary authority", whereas a law review article is secondary authority.

In project management, who holds the "primary authority"?

Typically, the project manager or project sponsor holds the "primary authority" for making key decisions and allocating resources, though this can vary based on the organization's structure.

Can a state or federal government have "primary authority"?

Yes, both can have "primary authority" depending on the issue. For example, states may have "primary authority" over education, while the federal government may have it over interstate commerce.