recognize authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recognize authority" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the acknowledgment or acceptance of someone's power or influence, often in a formal or organizational context. Example: "In order to maintain order within the organization, it is essential for all members to recognize authority and follow the established protocols."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Hatred cannot recognize authority other than its own.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was a nationally recognized authority on American philosopher William James, having authored two books on the subject, William James and The Ethics of William James during his tenure at Pace.

The New York Times

Fields, author of eight books, is an internationally recognized authority on domestic violence and neuropsychology.

Huffington Post

Sullivan, a nationally recognized authority on antitrust law and complex litigation, has authored eleven books and over 50 articles.

Huffington Post

Jeanne Kelly is a nationally recognized authority on credit, the founder of The Kelly Group and the author of The 90-Day Credit Challenge.

Huffington Post

He was an influential and recognized authority in occupational and preventive medicine.

The New York Times

He was a recognized authority in complex reconstructive breast cancer surgery.

The New York Times

He was a recognized authority on astronomy and also a noted Orientalist.

The New York Times

Mr. Cross, who was white, was a recognized authority on the economics of black empowerment.

The New York Times

The yellow light turns green, indicating satisfaction, announcing readiness, recognizing authority, command, control.

The New Yorker

Dummett also wrote several works on tarot cards and games, on which he was an internationally recognized authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "recognize authority", ensure the context clearly defines whose authority is being recognized and in what area. For instance, "employees must recognize the authority of their supervisors in workplace matters" provides clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "recognize authority" when simply acknowledging someone's presence or existence. "Recognize authority" implies accepting someone's right to give commands or make decisions, not just noticing them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recognize authority" functions as a verb phrase where "recognize" is the verb and "authority" is the noun acting as the direct object. It describes the action of acknowledging and accepting legitimate power or control, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "recognize authority" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of acknowledging and respecting legitimate power or control. Ludwig AI indicates that it's primarily found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While interchangeable with alternatives like "acknowledge power" or "respect leadership", it's crucial to use it accurately, implying genuine acceptance of someone's right to command, not just their existence. Proper usage requires understanding whose authority is being recognized and in what domain.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acknowledge power

Focuses on acknowledging the existence of power, similar to recognizing authority, but broader in scope.

respect command

Implies showing deference and obedience to a command, highlighting the element of respect within authority.

accept control

Highlights the acceptance of being controlled or managed, a facet of recognizing authority.

respect leadership

Specifically emphasizes respecting those in leadership positions, a key element of recognizing authority within a group.

obey regulations

Focuses on complying with rules and regulations, which is a form of recognizing institutional authority.

honor jurisdiction

Emphasizes respecting the legal boundaries and rights of a governing body, which is a formal type of authority recognition.

defer to expertise

Stresses the act of yielding to someone's superior knowledge or skill, implying recognition of their authority in a specific area.

heed counsel

Highlights paying attention to and following advice, which signifies recognizing the authority of the advisor.

submit to governance

Emphasizes yielding to a system of governing, a broad form of recognizing authority.

observe protocol

Focuses on adhering to established procedures, reflecting an acceptance of organizational authority.

FAQs

What does it mean to "recognize authority"?

To "recognize authority" means to acknowledge and accept someone's right to give commands, make decisions, or exert control within a specific context. It implies a willingness to comply with their directives.

How can I "acknowledge power" without "recognizing authority"?

You can "acknowledge power" by simply noting someone's influence or ability to affect outcomes, without necessarily accepting their right to exert that power over you. "Recognizing authority" implies a level of acceptance or compliance that mere acknowledgment doesn't.

What are some situations where it's important to "recognize authority"?

It's important to "recognize authority" in various settings, such as within a workplace, where employees must respect the decisions of their managers; in legal contexts, where citizens must obey the law; and in family structures, where children are expected to listen to their parents.

Is "recognizing authority" always a good thing?

While "recognizing authority" is often necessary for maintaining order and stability, it's not always beneficial. Blindly "recognizing authority" without questioning its legitimacy can lead to abuses of power or unethical behavior. Critical thinking and discernment are crucial.