some authority over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some authority over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a level of control, influence, or power that one person or entity has over another. Example: "The manager has some authority over the team's decisions, but ultimately, the final call rests with the director."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

The President has some authority over them and can dismiss the heads of the agencies.

The New York Times

He was speaking as though he had some authority over her".

The Guardian - Books

The Florida legislature could have delegated to state courts some authority over the manner appointing electors.

The New York Times

"He could remain a Republican, would be given some authority over selection of cabinet people.

The New York Times

"You think you're Special, that you have some Authority over the Night".

The New Yorker

"In light of the S.E.C.'s questionable record, Congress must maintain some authority over the agency's budget.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

While the Investigation Department has some oversight authority over the inspectors general, she said the policy has not been clear.

The New York Times

Of those that disagree and call for some localized authority over the internet, a question of degree arises; if a sovereign should be able to enforce its (local) regulations of internet use, what should be the extent of its reach?

Harvard University

The court likened Starbucks shift supervisors to restaurant captains who, under New York law, enjoy some supervisory authority over other service staff, but whose work is not different enough from waiters to bar them from participating in tip pools.

The New York Times

Also on Berlin's agenda are new European powers replacing some national authority over border control, and the possible raising of a special EU-wide levy to fund the policies.

The Guardian

Mr. Young has sued officials from the town of Lowndesboro, who claim that they should have some legal authority over the project; the landfill would fall within the town's police jurisdiction but outside town limits.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "some authority over", clarify the specific scope and limitations of that authority to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just stating "He has some authority over the project", specify "He has some authority over the budget and timeline of the project, but the technical decisions are made by the engineering team".

Common error

Avoid implying complete control when using "some authority over". Overstating the extent of authority can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. Ensure your language accurately reflects the level of influence or control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some authority over" functions as a qualifier, indicating a limited or partial degree of control or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and can effectively modify nouns or noun phrases to specify the extent of authority.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "some authority over" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate a limited degree of control or influence, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia and Science, making it versatile for diverse writing needs. To ensure clarity, specify the scope and limitations of the authority when using this phrase. Avoid overstating the extent of authority to prevent misunderstandings. While alternatives like "certain power over" or "limited influence over" exist, "some authority over" effectively conveys partial control in many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certain power over

Indicates possession of influence or control. Differs by emphasizing the presence of power.

limited influence over

Specifies restricted influence. Emphasizes constraints on control.

partial control over

Suggests shared or incomplete control. Highlights the division of power.

jurisdiction over

Refers to the legal right to apply laws and regulations. Provides a legalistic alternative.

oversight of

Implies supervisory responsibility. Conveys a monitoring function.

prerogative over

Highlights a special right or privilege. Adds a sense of exclusivity.

say in

Indicates a voice or input in decision-making. Provides a more informal alternative.

influence on

Suggests an indirect effect. Emphasizes persuasive power rather than direct control.

limited say in

Indicates a restricted voice or input in decision-making. Combines both 'limited' and 'say in' to convey a more specific sense of restricted influence.

some sway over

Suggests a degree of persuasive influence. Uses 'sway' for a less formal tone.

FAQs

How can I use "some authority over" in a sentence?

You can use "some authority over" to indicate a degree of influence or control, as in "The supervisor has "some authority over" the team's schedule".

What are some alternatives to "some authority over"?

Alternatives include phrases like "certain power over", "limited influence over", or "partial control over", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "some authority on" or "some authority over"?

"Some authority on" implies expertise or knowledge about a subject, while ""some authority over"" indicates control or influence. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "some influence over" and "some authority over"?

"Some influence over" suggests the ability to affect something indirectly, while ""some authority over"" implies a more direct and formal control or power.