the authorities

USAGE SUMMARY

'the authorities' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a governing body or someone in a position of power who makes decisions. For example, "The authorities acted quickly to quarantine the area after the outbreak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not the authorities.

The New York Times

And the authorities, too.

The New Yorker

zone, the authorities said.

The New York Times - Sports

Now they're the authorities".

The New York Times

The authorities seem nervous.

The Economist

2C, the authorities said.

The New York Times

The authorities objected.

The Economist

The authorities banned several.

The New York Times

Someone called the authorities.

The New Yorker

The authorities moved him again.

The Economist

Instead, she contacted the authorities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the authorities", ensure the context clearly defines which specific governing body or organization you are referring to. For example, specify "local authorities" or "federal authorities" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the authorities" when a more specific term is appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "the authorities" are investigating, specify "the police" or "the FBI" if they are the ones involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the authorities" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to individuals or bodies holding power or jurisdiction. Ludwig confirms its use as a valid and correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the authorities" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to refer to governing bodies or those in positions of power. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to report on the actions and decisions of these entities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English, suggesting it as a neutral and widely accepted term. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying which authority is being referenced if the context is ambiguous.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the government

Refers specifically to the political administration in power.

law enforcement

Specifically refers to the police and related agencies.

the administration

Often refers to the executive branch of a government or organization.

the powers that be

An idiomatic expression indicating those in control.

governing bodies

Highlights the institutional aspect of authority.

officialdom

Suggests a more bureaucratic and impersonal form of authority.

the establishment

Implies a more entrenched and possibly resistant form of authority.

those in charge

A general phrase for individuals with control.

the regulatory bodies

Focuses on entities with specific oversight functions.

the responsible parties

Highlights accountability and those held responsible.

FAQs

How can I use "the authorities" in a sentence?

You can use "the authorities" to refer to governing bodies or individuals in power. For example: "The authorities were notified after the incident."

What's a good alternative to "the authorities"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "the government", "law enforcement", or "the administration".

When is it appropriate to use "the authorities"?

It's appropriate when referring to governing bodies or those in positions of power, especially when the specific entity is clear from the context. If ambiguous, specify (e.g., "local authorities").

Is "the authorities" formal or informal?

"The authorities" is generally considered neutral, suitable for news reports and general discussions. For more formal or specific contexts, consider alternatives like "governing bodies" or names of specific agencies.