respect for authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "respect for authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the importance of acknowledging and valuing the role of those in positions of power or leadership. Example: "In a well-functioning society, respect for authority is essential for maintaining order and stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He is a believer in respectable appearance & respect for authority, and particularly love of country.

The New Yorker

We honor hard work and hustle and respect for authority.

The New York Times - Sports

"They've no respect for authority," says a mother.

The Economist

Macdonald was a man congenitally incapable of respect for authority.

The New Yorker

Our other neglected value is respect for authority.

The New York Times - Books

After that, Piggott had even less respect for authority.

The Guardian - Sport

Conservatism and respect for authority become rigidity and an inability to innovate.

The Economist

From the beginning, "respect for authority is something all children need to learn".

The New York Times

The turkeys don't "hold with the conventional rules of society" and "have no respect for authority".

Independent

It distorts the pattern of demand and supply and, in its ineffectiveness, subverts respect for authority.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A respect-for-authority mentality cultivates passive learners who are used to receiving information from teachers and ask very few questions (Foley, 2005).

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emphasis use adjectives like "due"

Common error

Avoid using "respect for authority" to justify unquestioning obedience. True respect involves critical thinking and ethical considerations, not simply following orders without reflection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "respect for authority" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object within a sentence, expressing a concept or value. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "respect for authority" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that conveys the importance of acknowledging and valuing established power structures. According to Ludwig, it is considered correct and suitable for written English. While generally neutral in register, it finds prominent use in news, science, and formal business contexts. However, it's essential to distinguish true respect from blind obedience, promoting critical thinking alongside the acknowledgment of authority. Alternatives like "deference to authority" and "regard for authority" offer subtle nuances in meaning depending on the intended context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deference to authority

Focuses more on the act of submitting to authority rather than the inherent respect.

regard for authority

Emphasizes a more thoughtful consideration of authority, implying evaluation.

obedience to authority

Highlights compliance with rules and commands from authority figures.

veneration of authority

Suggests a higher level of reverence, almost bordering on worship.

compliance with regulations

More specific to following rules established by regulatory bodies.

observance of rules

Focuses solely on adhering to a set of established guidelines.

acknowledgment of hierarchy

Highlights the recognition of a ranked system, not necessarily respect.

recognition of power

Focuses on the awareness of influence held by individuals or institutions.

submission to leadership

Emphasizes yielding to the direction provided by leaders.

adherence to protocol

Stresses following established procedures and customs.

FAQs

How to use "respect for authority" in a sentence?

You can use "respect for authority" in a sentence to describe the importance of acknowledging and valuing the role of those in positions of power or leadership. For example: "In a well-functioning society, "respect for authority" is essential for maintaining order and stability."

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

You can use alternatives like "deference to authority", "regard for authority", or "obedience to authority" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "respect for authority" or "respect to authority"?

"Respect for authority" is the correct and idiomatic phrase. "Respect to authority" is not commonly used and may sound awkward.

What's the difference between "respect for authority" and "deference to authority"?

"Respect for authority" implies a general acknowledgment and valuing of authority figures, while "deference to authority" suggests a more active act of submitting to or complying with authority.