upon authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upon authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is based on or derived from a specific source of power or permission. Example: "The decision was made upon authority from the board of directors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Now 41 years on, in the age of disruption, anti-politics and digital assaults upon authority, arguments only suffer by association with the establishment.

The Guardian - Opinion

As Flynn and Fairbanks grasped, he should be more Puckish than Arthurian, his rebellious raids upon authority keeping him light on his feet, which is why an overt parody, such as Mel Brooks's "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" (1993), feels so redundant.

The New Yorker

Even if you think it is what I have asked for, tell me I am wrong!" A good leader recognizes that most employees won't feel comfortable challenging authority, so it falls upon authority to solicit feedback.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But the proposed bill, which is currently being discussed in Mexico's Senate, includes an article that would obligate providers to block electronic communication signal in "events and places that are critical for public and national security, upon authorities' request".

Vice

While there hasn't been a documented increase in the number of 4chan raids in recent months, the actions of this group of 4chan users may have the potential for greater impact, especially if they continue to find unique strategies of attacking the left, like calling upon authorities to shut down sub-legal warehouses.

Vice

Rajbhandari also called upon authorities to ensure that those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice.

Unicef

It is distinguished from the philosophical discipline of ethics, which relies upon the authority of reason and which can only call upon rational sanctions for moral failure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He quoted from it, drew strength from it and founded a church based upon the authority of a literal interpretation of it.

The Economist

Surely those who discipline judges do not need to rely upon any authority conferred by this guidance in order to take appropriate action?

The Guardian

So, the People's History Museum in Manchester and the Tyne and Wear Museums will have to become dependent upon local authority support, which means entrance fees.

The Guardian - Opinion

Irritated by restraints upon his authority, he even attempted the seizure of power by military force, which resulted in the so-called French Fury of January 17 , 1583 when his troops tried to capture Antwerp.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "upon authority", ensure the source of authority is clear to avoid ambiguity. Specify the person, document, or institution that grants the authority.

Common error

Avoid using "upon authority" when the actual basis is simply a suggestion or a personal opinion. Always verify that the authority is legitimate and directly supports the action or statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon authority" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate the basis or justification for an action or statement. It signifies that something is done or stated based on official authorization or permission. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "upon authority" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate that an action or statement is based on official permission or power. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; explicitly state the source of the authority to avoid ambiguity. Although not as common as alternatives like "by authorization of" or "based on authority", "upon authority" serves as a formal and precise way to convey legitimacy and justification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by permission of

Directly indicates that something is done with someone's consent.

based on authority

Highlights that something is derived from or justified by a source of authority.

by authorization of

Focuses on the act of authorizing something, emphasizing the permission granted.

pursuant to authority

Indicates that an action is carried out in accordance with established authority.

with the sanction of

Emphasizes official approval and permission, often in formal contexts.

under the aegis of

Implies protection and support from an authoritative entity.

with the backing of

Emphasizes the support and approval received from an authority figure.

on the strength of authority

Highlights the power and validity of the authority being invoked.

by the leave of

Implies obtaining formal consent or permission from an authority.

by command of

Suggests an order or instruction from a superior authority.

FAQs

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

You can use "upon authority" to indicate that an action, decision, or statement is based on official permission or power. For example, "The project was initiated upon authority from the CEO."

What phrases can I use instead of "upon authority"?

Alternatives include "by authorization of", "by permission of", or "based on authority", depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "upon authority" or "with authority"?

"Upon authority" generally implies a more formal and structured granting of power or permission, while "with authority" suggests possessing the power itself.

What's the difference between "upon authority" and "under authority"?

"Upon authority" suggests something is done because authority has been granted. "Under authority", conversely, implies operating within the limits or framework defined by an established authority. They differ slightly in meaning; if you are acting because of authority granted to you say "upon authority". If you are acting within authority then you should say "under authority".