tacit authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tacit authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has implied or unspoken power or permission to act, often without explicit consent. Example: "The manager's tacit authority allowed the team to proceed with the project without formal approval."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Creedon says that that there was informal tacit authority regarding regarding sexual relationships and guidance was offered to officers "faced with the prospect of a sexual relationship".

The Guardian

His assumption that just because we had slept together automatically gave him some kind of tacit authority or social licence to speak to me like a web-cam girl is pure, unadulterated fuckery.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We also allege that Mr. Girkin acted with either the actual, expressed, tacit or implied authority of the Russian government," Wisner said.

Los Angeles Times

Branding expert Abe Sauer, the only other person to have written about 540 Meals to date, summed it up well: "[It sounds] suspiciously like McDonald's is looking for an edu-washed marketing campaign to get its brand in front of impressionable young minds with a tacit endorsement from authority figures".

Huffington Post

Theaters were vandalized with the tacit approval of authorities.

The New York Times

But this suggests that the banks, with the authorities' tacit approval, think contracts are for thee and not for me.

The New York Times

Like many Japanese, he believed the yakuza had the authorities' tacit approval to operate, so making them move carried little meaning.

The New York Times

After tacitly challenging his authority, Johnson exaggerates Gyatso's opposition to physical explanations for consciousness, which makes the Dalai Lama's position sound more polemical than it actually is.

The New York Times

The lack of legal approval in so many spots, Mr. Clear said, has kept probably about half of all needle exchanges in the country technically underground, though some have the tacit approval of authorities.

The New York Times

Back then this local authority, tacitly if not explicitly, took a comprehensive view of quality of life as its business, endeavouring to support its enhancement within the district across a broad front.

The Guardian

To massage statistics there was a tacit deal between authorities and some gang leaders to hang victims so they could be counted as suicide, a mid-ranking penal official told me.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tacit authority", ensure the context clearly implies how the authority is understood or assumed, as it's not explicitly stated. Provide enough surrounding information for the reader to grasp the basis of this unspoken power.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone understands the source of the "tacit authority". Always provide enough context for the reader to grasp the underlying reasons for this implied power, as failing to do so can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tacit authority" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an understood or implied power that is not explicitly stated. As seen in Ludwig, the examples showcase how this authority operates informally within various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tacit authority" is a noun phrase referring to an understood or implied power, not formally expressed. It's grammatically correct and, according to Ludwig, its usage is more frequent in news and media, also present in scientific context. Though the phrase itself is not very common, it serves to highlight power dynamics operating informally. When using "tacit authority", providing context is key to ensure readers understand the source and scope of the implied power. Related phrases include "implied authorization" and "implicit control". Remember to avoid assuming universal understanding and clarify the origins of the tacit authority in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tacit control

A direct synonym, replacing "authority" with "control" for variation.

implied authorization

Emphasizes the permission aspect, but is slightly more formal.

implicit control

Focuses on the indirect nature of the control being exerted.

assumed authority

Highlights the assumption of the authority, potentially without explicit granting.

unspoken command

Highlights the element of control, moving away from permission.

understood power

Underscores the element of mutual comprehension and acceptance.

de facto power

Emphasizes the practical, real-world power, regardless of formal status.

implied consent

Highlights the consent, especially if one already recognized someone's authority.

unwritten rule

Shift focus to the 'rule' side instead of power. Highlights the customs instead of powers.

inherent power

Stresses that power derived from a position rather than a relationship.

FAQs

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

You can use "tacit authority" to describe situations where someone possesses unspoken power or permission to act, such as: "The manager's tacit authority allowed the team to proceed with the project without formal approval."

What is the difference between "tacit authority" and "explicit authority"?

"Tacit authority" refers to an implied or unspoken power, while "explicit authority" is clearly stated and formally granted.

What can I say instead of "tacit authority"?

Alternatives to "tacit authority" include "implied authority", "unspoken power", or "implicit control", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

In what contexts is "tacit authority" most commonly used?

"Tacit authority" is frequently used in contexts related to organizational structures, social dynamics, and political analysis where power dynamics are not always formally defined but are understood and accepted.