that authorizes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that authorizes" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a document, law, or statement that grants permission or power to do something. For example, "The contract includes a clause that authorizes the company to make changes." Alternative expressions include "that permits" and "that grants authority."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The problem is that here the chain of authorization comes to an end: There isn't a higher legal norm that authorizes the enactment of the (original) US Constitution.

SEP

Shape comparison is performed using linear regression, that authorizes both offset and change of scale.

IFAC-PapersOnLine

"In May, I signed a bill that authorizes $15 billion for the global fight on AIDS".

The New York Times

But it has refused to approve the so-called additional protocol that authorizes spot inspections.

The New York Times

A President must sign a written "Finding" that authorizes the program.

The New Yorker

Congress should adopt legislation that authorizes and urges the Obama administration to pursue such a policy.

The Washington Post

That is not the 'lack of subject-matter jurisdiction' that authorizes a remand.

Cornell University

A new law was recently passed that authorizes the use of "potentially deadly" force, including live ammunition, to maintain order.

The New Yorker

But the office's most noted duty, perhaps, is supplying the signature that authorizes each denomination of the nation's currency.

The New York Times

The United Nations Security Council resolution that authorizes the American-led mission in Iraq expires Dec. 31.

The New York Times

The Senate recently passed a bill that authorizes treatment programs, but that legislation did not include adequate funding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the antecedent (the noun before 'that') is singular; if you are discussing multiple laws, you must use "that authorize" instead.

Common error

Writers sometimes use "that authorizes" when they actually mean that something is required. Authorization implies that an action is permitted or made legal, but it does not necessarily mean it must happen. If an action is compulsory, use "that mandates" or "that requires".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that authorizes" functions as a restrictive relative clause used to modify a singular noun. In this structure, 'that' serves as the relative pronoun and subject of the verb 'authorizes'. According to Ludwig, it is primarily used to define the function or power of a specific instrument, such as a warrant, statute or signature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that authorizes" is a robust and grammatically correct tool for describing the conferral of power or permission. Ludwig AI data confirms its high frequency in authoritative domains like The New York Times and various legal databases, where it is used to precisely define the scope of bills, warrants and regulations. It is essentially the 'gold standard' for formal writing when one needs to explain what a particular document allows a person or entity to do. When using this phrase, ensure that your subject is singular and that you are specifically discussing permission rather than a mandatory requirement. For plural contexts, simply shift to the plural form "that authorize".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which authorizes

Uses a different relative pronoun, often preferred for non-restrictive clauses

that permits

Uses a slightly less formal verb while maintaining the same structural function

granting authority to

Uses a participial phrase rather than a relative clause for smoother flow

that empowers

Suggests a more active conferral of power or capability

that sanctions

Adds a layer of official or formal approval to the action

that allows for

Implies a broader or less specific scope of permission

that licenses

Specific to contexts involving legal permits or professional certifications

which provides the basis for

Describes the foundational document rather than the direct act of authorization

that mandates

Stronger than authorization; implies a requirement rather than just permission

enabling

A concise participial adjective that focuses on the result of the authority

FAQs

How do I use "that authorizes" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a rule or document. For example: "The governor signed a bill "that authorizes" the construction of a new bridge."

What is the difference between "that authorizes" and "which authorizes"?

In American English, "that authorizes" is typically used for restrictive clauses that are essential to the sentence meaning, whereas "which authorizes" is often used for non-restrictive clauses following a comma.

What can I say instead of "that authorizes"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "that permits", "granting authority", or "that sanctions".

Is "that authorizes" used in academic writing?

Yes, as shown in Ludwig AI examples from Cornell University and Harvard, it is very common in academic and legal discourse to define the scope of regulations.