under their authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under their authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is acting within the limits or guidelines set by a person or organization in a position of power. Example: "All decisions regarding the project must be made under their authority to ensure compliance with company policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

State regulators confirmed that they believed the A.I.G. subsidiaries under their authority were solvent.

The New York Times

Most bishops who have quit have done so because they were accused of covering up accusations against priests under their authority.

The New York Times

"Cardinal Brady and other bishops should resign or else be removed by the pope for their part in hiding abuses by clerics under their authority," he said.

The New York Times

"It demonstrates that people who are in a position of authority have a responsibility to govern the behavior of people under their authority," said Deputy Prosecutor Graham Blewitt.

The New York Times

It asserts that religious bodies have an established right to demand "increased loyalty" (over and above the loyalty that any employer would expect) from people under their authority, especially if they are in a visible, representative role.

The Economist

The core of the mythology, however, consists of tales about the sun goddess Amaterasu Ōmikami, the ancestress of the Imperial Household, and tales of how her direct descendants unified the Japanese people under their authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

In the 12th century, however, seemingly by Emperor Frederick I (Barbarossa), they were given authority to maintain the public peace in the district under their control an authority that until 1100 had belonged to the dukes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Do they generally have a moral obligation to take action in cases that do not necessarily fall under their specific authority?

The New York Times

His direct successors gradually increased the territory over which they had control through conquest and inheritance and also by skillfully exploiting their rights as suzerains in areas not under their direct authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the notice of charges, Freddie Mac's regulator stated that both Mr. Brendsel and Mr. Clarke "engaged in conduct or permitted conduct under their supervisory authority that resulted in unsafe and unsound practices that failed to meet accepted standards of prudent operations in the conduct of Freddie Mac's affairs".

The New York Times

We are also writing to the Baltimore Ravens to request that they impose additional discipline under their own authority, but it is imperative that the NFL itself makes clear that this conduct is truly unacceptable".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "under their authority", ensure the context clearly identifies who "they" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, specify the department, organization, or individual wielding the authority.

Common error

Avoid using "under their authority" when the actions are merely influenced or supported by an entity, rather than directly controlled or mandated by it. Overstating the level of control can misrepresent the true relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under their authority" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the conditions or constraints within which an action is performed. It specifies that the action is carried out subject to the power or control of a designated entity, as exemplified by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

21%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Science

7%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under their authority" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to denote actions or decisions made within the scope of someone's control. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. It's commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts. When using the phrase, ensure clarity in specifying who "they" refers to, and avoid using it when the actions are merely influenced rather than directly controlled. Alternatives include "within their jurisdiction" or "under their direction". As demonstrated by Ludwig, this phrase serves to establish legitimacy and accountability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within their jurisdiction

Focuses on the legal or geographical area over which authority extends.

subject to their control

Emphasizes the power to direct or regulate actions.

under their command

Highlights a direct, hierarchical relationship, especially in military or organizational contexts.

governed by their rules

Stresses adherence to a specific set of regulations.

accountable to them

Highlights the responsibility to justify actions to those in charge.

reporting to their leadership

Emphasizes a structured reporting relationship.

under their direction

Focuses on receiving guidance and instruction from a superior.

within their sphere of influence

Indicates a broader, less direct form of control.

subject to their approval

Highlights the need for permission or endorsement.

bound by their decisions

Emphasizes the obligation to follow the choices and judgments made by the authority.

FAQs

How can I use "under their authority" in a sentence?

This phrase indicates actions or decisions are made within the scope of someone's control. For example, "The project was completed "under their authority", ensuring adherence to company regulations."

What are some alternatives to "under their authority"?

You can use alternatives like "within their jurisdiction", "subject to their control", or "under their direction", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "under their authority" or "with their permission"?

The best choice depends on the situation. "Under their authority" implies a structured, hierarchical control, while "with their permission" suggests a more discretionary approval.

What does "acting under their authority" mean?

This means someone is performing actions that have been authorized, directed, or controlled by a person or group in a position of power. They are operating within the limits set by that "authority".