underlying authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underlying authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the fundamental or foundational power or control that supports a particular action, decision, or principle. Example: "The committee's decision was based on the underlying authority granted by the governing body."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

WASHINGTON — The killing of Osama bin Laden has set off a reassessment of the war in Afghanistan and the broader effort to combat terrorism, with Congress, the military and the Obama administration weighing the goals, strategies, costs and underlying authority for a conflict that is now almost a decade old.

The New York Times

"The underlying authority for our constitutional form of government stems directly from biblical precedents," she writes.

The New York Times - Magazine

And in Congress, a debate is getting under way over the underlying authority used by two successive administrations to wage the post-Sept.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Within arms' length expresses that there is a controlling, underlying public authority, by virtue of ownership (shares), right of appointment of governors, substantive (50 + %) funding, binding policy guidelines, and/or ex ante supervision - as opposed to a private organization being positioned independently, at arms' length; outside of government control.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Efforts to delineate a boundary – whether on grounds of primary purpose, temporality, underlying legal authority, departure from usual practice, or direct benefits to participants – have been unsatisfactory.

BMC Medical Ethics

It is not underwritten by a supposed natural tendency of humans to obey authority, or by an underlying normatively objective authority.

SEP

"This expiration of authority is serious," Waxman wrote, "because without the regulatory authority underlying this program, no private entity is required to do anything".

Huffington Post

It might be useful to understand the institutions and legal authority underlying the E.U.

WikiHow

Applied to the BIONOF case, considered as a particular PPP type, we conclude that although grid operators are private entities and BIONOF is about an unregulated green gas experiment, grid operators are involved as quasi/functional public authorities, effectively representing the public interest as perceived - in more or less specific terms - by underlying (pure) public authorities.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Bridging the gap between science and application is therefore needed to deliver scientific knowledge of ecosystem-functioning and underlying key-processes to authorities allowing successful landscape management.

Ecological Modelling

The underlying concordance of all authorities is taken as a given and interpreters work toward showing how it might be operative in particular cases.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "underlying authority" when you want to emphasize the fundamental basis for a decision, action, or principle, distinguishing it from surface-level justifications.

Common error

Avoid using "underlying authority" when you actually mean the direct, explicit authority responsible for something. "Underlying authority" is the basis, not necessarily the actor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying authority" functions as a noun phrase, where 'underlying' modifies 'authority'. It specifies the foundational or fundamental basis of power or control. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and applicability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "underlying authority" signifies the fundamental basis of power or control. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and applicable in various formal contexts, as shown by the examples. While "underlying authority" is not as common as simpler terms like "authority", it serves to stress the foundational nature of the power being discussed. Remember to use "underlying authority" when you aim to highlight the basic principles legitimizing an action, decision, or rule and be careful not to use it when you mean "direct authority".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

root authority

This alternative emphasizes the origin or source from which the authority stems.

basic authorization

This highlights the fundamental permission or approval that validates an action or decision.

primary authorization

This stresses the foremost or initial approval that makes something legitimate.

foundational authorization

Highlights the authorization which serves as foundation.

fundamental power

This emphasizes the essential power or control that enables something.

core prerogative

This focuses on the central and inherent right or privilege.

implicit power

This underlines a power that is suggested though not directly expressed.

essential jurisdiction

This refers to the indispensable legal or regulatory power.

inherent command

This emphasizes the natural or intrinsic control.

original right

This focuses on the starting point of a right.

FAQs

How can I use "underlying authority" in a sentence?

You can use "underlying authority" to describe the fundamental power or justification that supports a decision, law, or principle. For example: "The decision was challenged based on its lack of "underlying authority"".

What are some alternatives to "underlying authority"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "root authority", "basic authorization", or "fundamental power".

What is the difference between "underlying authority" and "ultimate authority"?

"Underlying authority" refers to the foundational basis of power or control, while "ultimate authority" refers to the highest level of power or control.

Is "underlying authority" a formal or informal phrase?

"Underlying authority" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, and legal contexts.