sole authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sole authority" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where one person or entity has complete control or decision-making power. Example: The CEO of the company has sole authority to make all financial decisions. In this sentence, "sole authority" means that the CEO has the only and final say in all financial matters for the company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Sole" authority means the authority of one (sole, solo, etc).

Huffington Post

The Author allots to the Publisher the sole authority to print and disseminate the Book in the English language.

The New Yorker

But he did not have sole authority.

The Economist

They should have the sole authority to shut down, or merge, failing banks.

The New York Times

The inland revenue is the sole authority for dealing with taxes.

The Economist

The Central Bank of Iraq has the sole authority to issue banknotes and coins in Iraq.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Calvin agreed with Luther on justification by faith and the sole authority of Scripture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The governor, a Democrat, now has the sole authority to negotiate compacts with tribes.

The New York Times

Senator Dodd said state officials retained "sole authority" to set and enforce eligibility requirements.

The New York Times

They still believe that their sole authority rests in the myth that they are oracles.

The New York Times

In February, Mr. Wittlin's responsibilities were expanded when he assumed sole authority for the group.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sole authority", ensure the context clearly defines the scope and limitations of that authority to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether it applies to financial matters, operational decisions, or strategic planning.

Common error

Avoid implying that the "sole authority" is absolute in all situations. Even with sole authority, there might be legal, ethical, or practical constraints that limit the exercise of that power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sole authority" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the entity possessing exclusive power or control. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

28%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sole authority" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase that denotes exclusive control or power. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When using "sole authority", it's important to clearly define the scope of that authority and avoid overstating its absoluteness. Consider alternatives like "exclusive power" or "ultimate jurisdiction" to adjust the nuance. Understanding its function and purpose is key to effectively using it in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclusive power

Emphasizes the power aspect of having sole control.

exclusive control

Focuses on the control aspect of the authority.

unrivaled authority

Emphasizes that there is no other authority to challenge or compete with.

unilateral control

Highlights that the control is exercised by one party alone.

ultimate jurisdiction

Implies a legal or formal aspect of having the final say.

supreme command

Suggests a hierarchical structure where the authority is at the top.

independent command

Focuses on the autonomy of the command.

complete discretion

Highlights the freedom to make decisions without needing approval.

untrammeled power

Emphasizes the unrestricted nature of the authority.

final say

A more informal way of expressing ultimate authority.

FAQs

How can I use "sole authority" in a sentence?

You can use "sole authority" to indicate that a person or entity has the exclusive right or power to make decisions or take action. For example: "The CEO has "sole authority" to approve budgets."

What's a synonym for "sole authority"?

Synonyms for "sole authority" include "exclusive power", "exclusive control", or "ultimate jurisdiction", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "sole authority"?

Yes, "sole authority" is a grammatically correct phrase commonly used in English to denote exclusive control or power.

What is the difference between "sole authority" and "shared authority"?

"Sole authority" means one person or entity has complete control, while "shared authority" means that decision-making power is distributed among multiple parties.