unstated authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unstated authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a power or influence that is not explicitly mentioned or acknowledged in a given context. Example: "The decision was influenced by an unstated authority that shaped the committee's recommendations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The authorities' unstated fear was that disaffected students might find natural allies in poor districts nearby, many of whose inhabitants, especially the unemployed, have been hit just as hard as the students by the economic disaster.In some places, the government's nightmare is being realised.

The Economist

There, the Court merely stated that "we should not quickly attribute to Congress an unstated intent to act under its authority to enforce the Fourteenth Amendment". 451 U.S., at 16, 101 S.Ct., at 1539.

Cornell University

Of particular relevance here is Pennhurst State School and Hospital v. Halderman, 451 U.S. 1, 16, in which the Court established that it will not attribute to Congress an unstated intent to intrude on traditional state authority in the exercise of its 5 powers.

Cornell University

1531, 1539, 67 L.Ed.2d 694, in which the Court established that it will not attribute to Congress an unstated intent to intrude on traditional state authority in the exercise of its § 5 powers.

Cornell University

We adopted a rule fully cognizant of the traditional power of the States: "Because such legislation imposes congressional policy on a State involuntarily, and because it often intrudes on traditional state authority, we should not quickly attribute to Congress an unstated intent to act under its authority to enforce the Fourteenth Amendment". Ibid.

Cornell University

The unstated aim of Mr Powell's visit is to begin rebuilding that authority and the way he has chosen to do it would—assuming he can carry it out shift the primary focus of American policy away from the Israeli-Palestinian peace process towards Iraq.The idea is far from stupid: if America were able to neutralise or even overthrow Saddam Hussein, its regional prestige would indeed soar.

The Economist

They argue that the Constitution's grant of executive authority to the president is broad and that this is merely one of the unstated powers encompassed within that broad grant.

The Washington Post

Hume also understood, correctly, that governing authority need not depend on the existence, effectiveness, or competence of magistrates: a constellation of unstated conventions also evolves to coordinate partners at efficient equilibriums in the games of life, "acquiring force by a slow progression, and by our repeated experience of the inconveniences of transgressing [them]"(Hume 1739: 3.2.2).

Biology and Philosophy

This mission had gone unstated.

The New Yorker

But you'll notice the unstated assumption.

The Guardian - Opinion

Russian reporters face formal and unstated restrictions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unstated authority", ensure the context makes clear who or what holds this authority, even if it's not explicitly defined. The surrounding text should provide clues to its source and scope.

Common error

Avoid using "unstated authority" without providing sufficient context. Readers may misinterpret or fail to recognize the source and influence of the authority you're referencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unstated authority" functions as a noun phrase, where "unstated" modifies the noun "authority". It describes a type of power or control that exists without being explicitly declared or acknowledged. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unstated authority" refers to a form of power or influence that exists without being explicitly declared or acknowledged. While grammatically sound, Ludwig AI finds limited exact matching examples, suggesting that alternative formulations like "implicit authority" or "tacit authority" may be more commonly used. When employing "unstated authority", it's crucial to provide sufficient contextual clues to ensure clarity regarding the source and scope of this subtle form of power. Its register is generally neutral to professional, finding use in discussions of power dynamics and organizational structures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implicit authority

Focuses on the indirectly suggested or implied nature of the authority.

tacit authority

Highlights the unspoken and understood nature of the authority.

unspoken authority

Emphasizes the absence of explicit communication regarding the authority.

implied power

Shifts the focus to the power dynamic rather than the explicit declaration.

inherent authority

Suggests the authority is a natural or intrinsic part of the role or position.

unacknowledged authority

Highlights that the authority exists but is not openly admitted or recognized.

assumed authority

Focuses on the act of taking on or presuming the authority.

understood authority

Emphasizes that the authority is mutually comprehended without needing to be stated.

unarticulated power

Highlights the power that is not put into words or openly expressed.

silent authority

Presents authority that is exerted quietly or without direct command.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "unstated authority" in a sentence?

Use "unstated authority" when referring to power or influence that is understood but not explicitly declared. Ensure the surrounding context offers clues to the authority's source and scope, or consider using "implicit authority" or "tacit authority" for clarity.

What's a good alternative to "unstated authority"?

Depending on the context, you could use "implicit authority", "tacit authority", or "implied power". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "unstated authority" or "implicit authority"?

"Unstated authority" emphasizes that the authority is not explicitly mentioned, while "implicit authority" suggests the authority is understood or implied without direct expression. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

How does "unstated authority" differ from "informal authority"?

"Unstated authority" refers to power or influence that isn't explicitly declared, whereas "informal authority" describes authority derived from personal relationships rather than formal structures. The phrases address different aspects of how authority functions.