total authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "total authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has complete control or power over a situation or organization. Example: "As the CEO, she has total authority over all company decisions and operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Batiashvili and the FRSO play this lyrical, sinuous piece with innate understanding and total authority.

The Guardian - Music

Still, his first-half haul of 17 points was a sign of total authority.

The Guardian - Sport

When it comes to the house and children, my wife enjoys virtually total authority.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He then assumed the role of commander in chief with total authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The headmaster himself, Tony Little, is all urbanity; but here, too, is a core of total authority.

The Guardian

Captains had total authority during battle, when debate and disagreement were likely to be both inefficient and dangerous.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

In total, authorities have estimated the Wildensteins should have declared an estimated €616m (£450m) to the tax authorities, rather than the €40.9m declared in 2002.

The Guardian

The scale of the scandal dwarfs the recent horsemeat scare in Europe: in total, authorities seized 20,000 tonnes of illegal products and uncovered 382 cases of meat-related crime, according to a statement on the ministry's website – primarily the sale of toxic, diseased and counterfeit meat.

The Guardian

In total, authorities believe that 600 works were nabbed from both properties between 2005 and 2007.

Huffington Post

Years of sycophancy and political theorising had convinced incoming presidents that they wielded near-total authority.

The Economist

Most employers have near-total authority over employees regarding hiring, firing, transferring and assigning work to employees.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "total authority", ensure the context clearly defines the scope and limitations of the authority to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the area or domain over which the authority is exercised.

Common error

Avoid using "total authority" when the authority is, in reality, limited or conditional. Misrepresenting the extent of authority can lead to misunderstandings and legal challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "total authority" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "total" modifies "authority". It describes the extent or completeness of the authority being referenced. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "total authority" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that denotes comprehensive control or power. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is widespread across various contexts, particularly in news media, formal business settings, and encyclopedic resources. While it is essential to be clear about the specific domain of the authority to prevent ambiguity, the phrase remains a valuable and effective way to describe situations where decision-making power is centralized and absolute.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolute power

Implies unrestricted and unchecked control, differing by emphasizing the extent of the power.

complete control

Focuses on the ability to manage and direct, differing by highlighting the act of controlling.

full command

Suggests comprehensive authority, especially in a military or hierarchical context, differing by specifying the nature of authority.

supreme rule

Indicates ultimate governance or control, often associated with a monarch or dictator, differing by its association with rulership.

unlimited jurisdiction

Denotes unrestricted legal or judicial power, differing by its specific application in legal settings.

carte blanche

Signifies complete freedom and power to act at one's discretion, differing by emphasizing the freedom to choose.

final say

Indicates the power to make the ultimate decision, differing by focusing on the decision-making aspect.

ultimate discretion

Highlights the freedom to decide based on one's own judgment, differing by emphasizing the discretionary power.

unfettered dominance

Suggests unrestricted control and influence, differing by emphasizing the lack of restraints.

sweeping powers

Indicates extensive and broad authority, differing by highlighting the breadth of the powers.

FAQs

How is "total authority" typically used in a sentence?

"Total authority" is generally used to describe someone or something that has complete control or power over a particular area or situation. For instance, "The CEO has "total authority" over all company decisions."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "total authority"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "absolute power", "complete control", or "full command". Each of these alternatives carries slightly different connotations.

Is there a difference between "total authority" and "absolute authority"?

While the terms are similar, "absolute authority" often implies a more unrestricted and potentially arbitrary level of power than "total authority", which can suggest comprehensive but still potentially accountable control.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the term "total authority"?

It's appropriate to use "total authority" when describing roles, positions, or systems where decision-making power is centralized and comprehensive within a specific domain. For example, a project manager might be granted "total authority" over a project's budget and timeline.