substantial authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is discussing a significant level of power, influence, or expertise in a particular area. Example: "The committee relied on the substantial authority of the expert to guide their decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Mr. Annan, for his part, has not wanted to become involved without wielding substantial authority.

The New York Times

"I can say with substantial authority that these markers are uncorrelated," he said, meaning that the two variants lie close to each other only by coincidence.

The New York Times - Health

Its recommendation would give the director substantial authority over the Pentagon, which is estimated to control nearly 80percentt of a $40 billion annual intelligence budget.

The New York Times

Last week, the two sides agreed to the final composition of a seven-member task force that has substantial authority to set the company's hiring and promotions policies.

The New York Times

Ariel Z. Emanuel, who was the dominant partner at Endeavor, but held no title, will have substantial authority in the new company.

The New York Times

The law must accord the Executive substantial authority to apprehend and detain those who pose a real danger to our security.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The French and German amendments refer to "the Iraqi interim authority," to which, they say, "effective and substantial authorities should be transferred," according to a copy of the amendments circulating at the United Nations.

The New York Times

In the State Children's Health Insurance Program, there is substantial financing authority lying idle.

The New York Times

We are referred to substantial medical authority that D&X perverts the natural birth process to a greater degree than D&E, commandeering the live birth process until the skull is pierced.

The New York Times

In its Nebraska decision, the Supreme Court cited "substantial medical authority" for the view that this technique was safer in some circumstances than other methods of terminating pregnancies in late term.

The New York Times

He still has substantial executive authority to act on things like mortgage relief — there are billions of dollars not yet spent, not to mention the enormous leverage the government has via its ownership of Fannie and Freddie.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a role or position, use "substantial authority" to emphasize the breadth and importance of the responsibilities involved.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial authority" when the actual power is limited or merely symbolic. Ensure the context accurately reflects a significant degree of control or influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial authority" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "authority". It describes a significant degree of power, control, or influence. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial authority" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe significant power or influence. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure that the context genuinely reflects a notable level of control. Alternatives include "significant power" or "considerable influence". The phrase serves to communicate that someone or something has a notable degree of control. The phrase has a neutral register, so it is appropriate to use in many contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial influence

Is a more direct synonym with a slightly different emphasis.

considerable influence

Highlights the ability to affect decisions or actions.

significant power

Focuses more on the raw capacity to exert control.

considerable power

Is a more direct synonym with a slightly different emphasis.

significant dominion

Is a more direct synonym with a slightly different emphasis.

marked control

Highlights the level of control exerted.

wide-ranging mandate

Suggests a broad scope of responsibilities and permissions.

extensive jurisdiction

Emphasizes the legal scope of control.

major dominion

Focuses on the power to rule or govern.

real clout

Uses a more informal term for influence and impact.

FAQs

How to use "substantial authority" in a sentence?

You can use "substantial authority" to describe someone who has significant power or control in a particular domain. For example: "The CEO has "substantial authority" over all company operations."

What can I say instead of "substantial authority"?

You can use alternatives like "significant power", "considerable influence", or "extensive jurisdiction" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "substantial authority" or "substantive authority"?

"Substantial authority" implies a significant amount of power or control. "Substantive authority" refers to authority that is real and not merely nominal. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "substantial authority" and "considerable authority"?

While both phrases suggest a significant degree of power, ""substantial authority"" often implies a broader scope or more impactful level of control compared to "considerable authority".