source of authority

USAGE SUMMARY

"source of authority" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a person or institution from whom the public can expect to receive direction or guidance. For example, "The president is the source of authority when it comes to making decisions on foreign policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In capitalism, this source of authority is torn in two.

The New Yorker

All of them reject religions as a source of authority on personal morality.

The Guardian - Opinion

The father provides a source of authority, the mother a sense of mystery.

The Guardian - Opinion

And so he turned to perhaps the most literal source of authority: Shakespeare's own pen.

The New York Times - Arts

Nowhere does Congress cite its taxing power as a source of authority.

The New York Times - Health

But questions remain about who will ultimately be the source of authority in Tbilisi.

Independent

Much of the authority cited in organizations rests on a rational-legal source of authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Freedom of expression implied that the ultimate source of authority lay within each individual.

The New York Times

Resource-constrained in unfamiliar territory with no clear source of authority, explanation, or help?

Harvard Business Review

Hassan al-Banna famously wrote that people are the source of authority.

The New York Times - Magazine

In our age of insecurity, Lewis stands out as a reassuring source of authority.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "source of authority", ensure the context clearly defines what type of authority is being referenced (e.g., legal, moral, traditional).

Common error

Avoid using "source of authority" without specifying the domain or context. Being specific enhances clarity. Instead of "The president is a source of authority", say "The president is a source of authority on national security matters".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "source of authority" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying the origin from which power, control, or legitimacy is derived. It specifies what or who provides the basis for authoritative actions or decisions, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "source of authority" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that refers to the origin of power or legitimacy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to specify what or who provides the basis for authoritative actions or decisions. Predominantly found in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, the phrase maintains a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for discussions concerning power dynamics in both academic and professional settings. Related phrases include "authority figure", "power base", and "locus of control", each offering slight variations in emphasis. When using "source of authority", ensure clear contextual definition to avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authority figure

Focuses on the person or entity embodying authority.

locus of control

Emphasizes the place where control originates.

power base

Highlights the foundation upon which power is built.

wellspring of power

Suggests a continuous and abundant source of power.

ultimate decision-maker

Focuses on the person who makes the final decisions.

point of origin of command

Formal and precise way of describing where commands come from.

seat of power

Highlights the location where power is concentrated.

fount of influence

Emphasizes the influential nature of the source.

center of command

Highlights the central point from which commands are issued.

legal basis

Refers specifically to the legal foundation of authority.

FAQs

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

You can use "source of authority" to indicate where power or control originates. For example, "The Constitution is the ultimate "source of authority" in the United States".

What are some alternatives to "source of authority"?

Alternatives include "authority figure", "power base", or "locus of control", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "source of authority" in formal writing?

Yes, "source of authority" is suitable for formal writing. It's frequently used in academic, legal, and professional contexts to denote the origin of power or legitimacy.

What's the difference between "source of authority" and "authority figure"?

"Source of authority" refers to the origin or basis of power, while "authority figure" refers to the individual or entity that embodies and exercises that power. The former is abstract; the latter is concrete.