provide authority for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide authority for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need to supply justification, permission, or a basis for an action or decision. Example: "The committee must provide authority for the proposed changes to the policy before implementation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Hayden reassured the legislators that the language did nothing more than provide authority for Special Forces operatives on the ground in Iran to shoot their way out if they faced capture or harm.

The New Yorker

Agreement over this year's defense measure proved difficult as lawmakers wrestled with whether to provide authority for President Obama's enhanced military campaign against Islamic State militants.

Los Angeles Times

The Convention observed, "[our old constitution] seems to provide authority for an executive budget but it was not until 1913 that a Governor of Illinois presented such a budget.

Huffington Post

These aristocrats control fossil fuels corporations, such as Koch Industries, and ExxonMobil, but their money for this mass-deception campaign is laundered through far-right-wing foundations they control, to think-tanks they control, which buy professors to provide "authority" for these distortions and outright lies.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Resolution 1244, which provides authority for the United Nations mission in Kosovo, does not preclude these solutions.

The New York Times

The package also provides authority for state and local housing agencies to use tax-exempt bonds to refinance bad mortgages.

The New York Times

More than 60 leaders of local tribes, including Shiite tribes in areas outside this town, recently signed an agreement that provides authority for tribal leaders in fighting terrorism.

The New York Times

In addition to removing habeas corpus jurisdiction, the Military Commissions Act also provided authority for the military commissions that the court's 2006 decision in Hamdan v. Rumsfeld said was lacking.

The New York Times

Indeed, the Constitution itself provides authority for awarding exclusive rights to promote science and the useful arts.

Huffington Post

Durkheim believed religion was essential for all societies because it provided authority, meaning for life, and most importantly, reinforced society's morals.

Huffington Post

But what about the author of the piece in Dangjian, a publication that says it provides "authority, leadership and focus" for party officials?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provide authority for", ensure the context clearly specifies who or what is granting the authority and to whom or what it is being granted. This clarifies the power dynamic and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "provide authority for" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "allow" or "permit" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide authority for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of granting or establishing a basis for legitimacy or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It implies a formal or official empowerment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "provide authority for" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to denote the act of granting or establishing a basis for legitimacy. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for use in written English, particularly in neutral to formal contexts like news reporting, legal documents, or policy discussions. While not overly frequent, the phrase serves a distinct purpose in establishing permissible actions or decisions. Related phrases include "grant authorization for" and "empower to", though they may carry slightly different connotations. When using "provide authority for", ensure that the grantor and grantee of authority are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grant authorization for

Replaces "provide" with "grant" and "authority" with "authorization", slightly more formal.

give permission for

Uses simpler vocabulary, replacing "authority" with "permission".

confer the power to

Emphasizes the transfer of power or ability.

authorize

A more concise, single-word replacement.

legitimize

Focuses on making something lawful or justifiable.

empower to

Highlights the act of enabling or giving capacity.

bestow authority on

More formal and emphasizes the act of giving.

invest with authority

Similar to 'bestow', but suggests a more formal or official granting.

validate

Suggests confirming or ratifying existing authority.

license

Implies granting formal, legal permission.

FAQs

How can I use "provide authority for" in a sentence?

You can use "provide authority for" to describe the act of granting permission or power to someone or something. For example, "The new law will "provide authority for" local councils to implement stricter environmental regulations".

What can I say instead of "provide authority for"?

Alternatives include "grant permission for", "authorize", or "empower to", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "provide authority for" or "grant authority to"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "grant authority to" might be preferred when emphasizing the recipient of the authority. "Provide authority for" focuses more on the act of providing.

What is the difference between "provide authority for" and "give permission for"?

"Provide authority for" typically implies a more formal or official granting of power, while "give permission for" is generally used in less formal contexts. Authority suggests a defined right or power, whereas permission is a more general allowance.