upon what authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upon what authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when questioning the legitimacy or basis of a claim, decision, or action. Example: "Upon what authority do you make such a statement regarding the policy changes?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Upon What Authority Might We Teach Morality?

Johns Hopkins University

Upon what authority have I levied this sentence?

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"The rules can vary dramatically depending upon under what authority you're doing something," he said.

The Washington Post

What authority the statute purports to confer upon the board is a question of construction.

Cornell University

On what authority?

The New Yorker

Who instituted them, on what authority?

The Economist

Here's what authority structures you have.

Yale University

What authority might they have?

The New York Times

Under what authority did the EPA act?

Forbes

Under what authority?

Huffington Post

What authority do you have?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upon what authority" when seeking a formal or emphatic inquiry into the legitimacy or justification of a statement, action, or decision. It adds a layer of gravitas to the question.

Common error

Avoid using "upon what authority" in casual conversations. Its formal tone can sound overly assertive or even confrontational in informal settings. Simpler alternatives like "why" or "what's the basis for this" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon what authority" functions as an interrogative phrase, specifically used to question the basis, justification, or legitimacy of an action, statement, or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, emphasizing its role in formal inquiries.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "upon what authority" serves as a formal and emphatic way to inquire about the justification or legitimacy behind a statement or action. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, though it's best suited for formal contexts due to its assertive tone. Primarily found in News & Media and Academia, it's a powerful tool for demanding accountability. While grammatically sound, remember that simpler alternatives are often more appropriate in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

By what authority

Omits "upon", resulting in a slightly more direct and common phrasing.

On what grounds

Shifts focus to the justification or reason for an action or statement.

What is the basis for

More verbose, emphasizing the underlying foundation or rationale.

What justifies

Focuses specifically on the justification, often implying a challenge.

What empowers

Highlights the source of power or authorization.

Under whose authorization

More formal and emphasizes the authorizing entity.

With what justification

Formal and stresses the need for a valid justification.

What is the warrant for

Emphasizes the legitimacy and legal basis.

Where does the authority come from

Inquires about the origin of the authority in question.

What is the source of your authority

More direct and personal, questioning the individual's claim to authority.

FAQs

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

You can use "upon what authority" to formally question the basis of a claim or action, such as, "Upon what authority do you make such a statement regarding policy changes?"

What's a less formal alternative to "upon what authority"?

Less formal alternatives include phrases like "by what authority" or "on what grounds", which are more commonly used in everyday conversation.

Is "upon what authority" considered grammatically correct?

Yes, "upon what authority" is grammatically correct, but it carries a formal tone. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

In what contexts is "upon what authority" most appropriate?

"Upon what authority" is most appropriate in formal or legal contexts where you need to challenge the basis of a statement or action with a degree of emphasis.