questions of authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "questions of authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing issues related to power, control, or legitimacy in various contexts, such as politics, sociology, or organizational behavior. Example: "The debate centered around questions of authority and how they impact decision-making within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Questions of authority necessarily arise.

Independent

They also treated questions of authority, government, and discipline.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For Gillard, questions of authority and legitimacy – historically the achilles heel of many women in politics – have been at the heart of her political difficulty.

The Guardian

It is not uncommon, given that governors and attorneys general are elected independently and can be from opposing parties, that they clash over questions of authority.

The New York Times

But for all the advantages of increased board engagement, it can create debilitating questions of authority and dangerous meddling in day-to-day operations.

Harvard Business Review

The brotherhoods were frequently in conflict with the Orthodox hierarchy, however, on questions of authority over their institutions and clerical reforms.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

It's a question of authority.

The Guardian

The presenting issue is "women and gays" but the real problem is a question of authority.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nevertheless, he has set up a commission under Robin Eames, a brainy Irish Anglican bishop, to look at the whole question of authority in the Anglican church.

The Economist

She traces the influence of Erasmus on Luther's followers outside of Wittenberg and highlights the critical question of authority, particularly in interpreting the Bible.

Stanford University

Existing literature on the first question is unable to address the second, because the question of authority becomes moot if the government can simply replicate its preferences within the agency.

Journal of Public Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "questions of authority", consider specifying the context in which these questions arise (e.g., "questions of authority in the workplace" or "questions of authority in government") to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "questions of authority" without providing specific examples or context. The phrase is broad, so make sure to clarify which aspects of authority are being questioned.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "questions of authority" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As evidenced by Ludwig, it introduces topics related to power dynamics, legitimacy, and control within various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "questions of authority" is a versatile noun phrase used to initiate discussions about power, legitimacy, and control. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure that you provide sufficient context and specific examples to avoid overgeneralization. Common alternatives include "issues of power" and "matters of control". Remember to use it to effectively frame discussions about the justification, scope, or exercise of power in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

issues of power

Focuses more broadly on the concept of power rather than specifically on inquiries about authority.

matters of control

Highlights the aspect of control inherent in authority, shifting the emphasis slightly.

challenges to authority

Emphasizes the act of questioning or opposing authority, rather than the questions themselves.

sources of authority

Shifts the focus to the origins or foundations upon which authority is based.

legitimacy of power

Focuses on whether the authority or power is seen as justified and acceptable.

exercise of authority

Highlights the practical application and demonstration of authority in specific situations.

delegation of authority

Addresses how authority is distributed or assigned to others within a hierarchy.

scope of authority

Specifies the boundaries or limits within which authority can be exercised.

lines of authority

Describes the hierarchical structure and flow of authority within an organization or system.

abuse of authority

Focuses on the misuse or corruption of granted authority for personal gain or other inappropriate purposes.

FAQs

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

You can use "questions of authority" to introduce discussions about legitimacy, power, and control. For example, "The new policy raised "questions of authority" within the department."

What are some alternative phrases for "questions of authority"?

Alternatives include "issues of power", "matters of control", or "challenges to authority", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "questioning authority" or "questions of authority"?

The choice depends on the context. "Questioning authority" describes the act of challenging authority, while ""questions of authority"" refers to inquiries or doubts regarding authority.

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

"Questions of authority" broadly covers any doubts or inquiries about power structures. "Legitimacy of power" specifically addresses whether the authority is justified and accepted as valid.