take authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of assuming control or power over a situation or group. Example: "In order to lead the team effectively, she needed to take authority and make decisive decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

I know I have to take authority over my skating".

The New York Times - Sports

Efforts to take authority away from the city have gone nowhere.

The New York Times

Here Mr Verhofstadt hesitates, but only because he thinks that might take authority from the European Commission, the Union's executive.

The Economist

Brotherhood leaders have said they expect the Parliament to take authority over the hiring and firing of a prime minister to run the interim government.

The New York Times

"The female nude is part of a revered tradition, although she is not to take authority over depictions of her nudity.

The Guardian - Arts

"We are aiming to cripple Hizbullah in order to enable the Lebanese government to take authority and fulfil its responsibilities, to deploy its forces alongside the border, bring back our soldiers and eventually cause the dismantling of Hizbullah," Brig Gen Nehushtan said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Despite the suspicious evidence, it could take authorities some time to unmask the traders.

The New York Times

But protesters were not inclined to take authorities at their word.

The Guardian

Are they chasing an illusion that takes authority from tradition alone, or are we still only at the commencement stage of discovery?

The New York Times

Al Akhbar, a Lebanese newspaper that is closely allied with Hezbollah and Syria, declared recently that "taking authority away from Hariri would teach him how to keep it".

The New York Times

"We can't choose sides [but] whoever takes authority at the end, we only care about our visas".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take authority", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is relinquishing the authority. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "take authority" when you mean to "gain influence" or "earn respect". Authority implies a formal right, not just general sway.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take authority" functions as a verb phrase where "take" is a transitive verb and "authority" is the direct object. It describes the act of assuming control or power. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take authority" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase signifying the act of assuming control or power. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific discourse. The phrase carries a neutral register, fitting for formal and informal settings alike. While alternatives like "assume authority" or "exercise authority" exist, "take authority" provides a direct and effective way to describe the action of stepping into a position of control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assume authority

Focuses on the act of accepting or being given authority, suggesting a formal transfer or recognition.

seize authority

Implies a forceful or abrupt acquisition of authority, often against resistance.

exercise authority

Highlights the active use and application of existing authority, rather than its initial acquisition.

assert control

Emphasizes the act of establishing and maintaining control, often in a challenging situation.

assume command

Specifically refers to taking control in a leadership or military context.

take charge

Suggests a proactive approach to leading or managing a situation, with a focus on action.

establish dominance

Focuses on creating a position of power and influence over others.

wield power

Highlights the use of power or influence to achieve a specific outcome.

gain control

Focuses on the process of obtaining control, often in a gradual or competitive manner.

dominate affairs

Suggests a comprehensive control over events or situations, often with a negative connotation.

FAQs

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

You can use "take authority" to describe someone assuming control or power, such as "The new manager had to take authority quickly to resolve the crisis."

What's a good alternative to "take authority"?

Consider using "assume authority", "seize authority", or "exercise authority" as alternatives to "take authority", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "take authority" or "have authority"?

The choice depends on the context. "Have authority" implies possessing the right to control, while "take authority" implies the action of assuming that control. Choose "have authority" when describing a state of being and "take authority" when describing an action.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "take authority"?

It's appropriate when discussing the act of assuming control over a situation, group, or process, particularly when that control was previously lacking or held by someone else. It also applies when a governing body "takes over authority".