to assert authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to assert authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is establishing their power or control over a situation or group. Example: "The manager decided to assert authority during the meeting to ensure that everyone followed the new protocols."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Peace depends on Mr. Campbell's ability to assert authority.

The New York Times - Arts

Deprived of unchallenged American leadership, countries might jostle to assert authority over their own regions.

The Economist

But in other areas, Mr. Tenet was slower to assert authority, when he did so at all.

The New York Times

That series hinged on the tension of Mainwaring's attempts to assert authority over the polished public schoolboy Wilson.

The Guardian - Opinion

When it is deployed — probably sometime after 2015 — the J-15 will signal the dawn of a new ability by China to assert authority along its coastline.

The New York Times

A struggle on the part of the military to assert authority and competing generals trying to present themselves as power brokers to the outside world".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Furthermore, when it comes to asserting authority in a new area, one advantage Isis has over other groups is its superior financial resources, which enable it to engage in outreach to locals.

BBC

An offer by Andros to send New York troops into Massachusetts to attack Philip was rebuffed, based on the idea that it was covert ploy to again assert authority to the Connecticut River.

Wikipedia

"And the deal is, they're willing to help the Colombians to strengthen the state and assert authority".

The New York Times

Once persecutions began, public authorities were eager to assert their authority.

Wikipedia

Four years later, the agency has yet to assert that authority.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to assert authority" when you want to emphasize the act of actively establishing or demonstrating control, especially in situations where authority is being challenged or needs to be reinforced.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions that obscure who is asserting the authority. Instead, clearly identify the actor taking control to make your writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to assert authority" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to express purpose or intention. It describes the goal or reason behind an action, as seen in Ludwig examples where entities, such as governments or individuals, take steps to establish their control.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to assert authority" is grammatically correct and used to express the intention of establishing or demonstrating power. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, primarily in news and media, encyclopedias and scientific sources. While relatively uncommon, its use is consistent and clear. The phrase emphasizes the proactive nature of establishing control, and careful attention should be paid to avoiding passive voice to maintain clarity and impact. Related phrases offer alternative ways to express similar concepts, each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to exercise control

Focuses on the act of using control, highlighting the practical application of authority.

to establish dominance

Emphasizes creating a position of superiority and control.

to wield power

Highlights the use of power, often implying significant influence.

to exert influence

Focuses on affecting outcomes or behaviors, rather than direct control.

to take charge

Implies assuming responsibility and control in a situation.

to lay down the law

Suggests setting firm rules and enforcing them strictly.

to call the shots

Indicates making the important decisions and directing actions.

to enforce compliance

Focuses on ensuring that rules or orders are followed.

to establish order

Highlights creating a structured and controlled environment.

to demonstrate leadership

Emphasizes showing qualities of a leader, including authority.

FAQs

How can I use "to assert authority" in a sentence?

You can use "to assert authority" to describe the act of someone establishing or demonstrating their power or control. For example: "The new manager needed "to assert authority" to implement the changes effectively."

What are some alternatives to "to assert authority"?

Alternatives include "to exercise control", "to establish dominance", or "to wield power" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "to assert authority" or "to exert authority"?

Both "to assert authority" and "to exert authority" are correct, but "to assert authority" emphasizes the act of claiming or establishing authority, while "to exert authority" focuses on actively using the authority one already has.

What's the difference between "to assert authority" and "to claim authority"?

"To assert authority" implies a proactive demonstration of power, whereas "to claim authority" suggests declaring or stating one's right to have power, potentially without immediate action.