wide-ranging authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wide-ranging authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a level of power or control that extends over a broad area or scope. Example: "The new regulations grant the agency wide-ranging authority to enforce environmental standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The Security Council voted on May 22 to lift economic sanctions against Iraq, cede wide-ranging authority to the U.S. and the U.K. over governing Iraq, and authorize a new role for the UN in rebuilding the war-ravaged nation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 65 cases a monitor with wide-ranging authority over a company's operations has been appointed.

The Economist

But pieced together the laws have been interpreted as giving them wide-ranging authority to undertake mass surveillance of emails, texts, phone conversations and internet searches.

The Guardian

The mayor created the commission in 1995 after he successfully blocked a City Council attempt to create an independent agency with wide-ranging authority to investigate police corruption.

The New York Times

In his court rulings and other writings, Mr. Mukasey has suggested that he endorses the administration's views on its wide-ranging authority in battling terrorist threats.

The New York Times

A provision in the federal criminal justice reforms of 1994 gives the justice department wide-ranging authority to investigate regional law enforcement agencies.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Mr. Obama did something almost unheard of for a modern U.S. president: He called on Congress to limit his authority under the wide-ranging Authorization for Use of Military Force enacted in 2001.

The New York Times

The agency has "wide-ranging legal authority to carry out security-related responsibilities," Ms Lee said.

The New York Times

Emboldened by this wide-ranging purge, the authorities have now turned their attention to Sheikh Hasina and Mrs Zia themselves.

The Economist

To supplement federal immigration authorities, a wide-ranging 1996 immigration law authorized the attorney general to enter into agreements with states and local governments permitting them to enforce the immigration laws.

The New York Times

A lower-ranking judge had authorised a "wide-ranging" inquiry and local authority social services staff had begun investigations.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the completeness of authority, consider using “wide-ranging authority” instead of simpler terms like “authority”.

Common error

Avoid using "wide-ranging authority" when describing limited or specific powers. The term implies a broad and inclusive mandate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wide-ranging authority" functions as a noun phrase that describes the extent and scope of power or control. It is often used to define the capacity or jurisdiction granted to an individual or institution, showcasing a broad application of power. Ludwig confirms that this is a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wide-ranging authority" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe extensive power or control. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in various contexts. It frequently appears in news media and formal business settings, denoting a broad and inclusive mandate. Related phrases include "extensive power" and "broad jurisdiction". When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended scope of power, avoiding its application to limited or specific authorities. Understanding and applying these insights can significantly enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensive power

Emphasizes the breadth and magnitude of the power held.

broad jurisdiction

Highlights the comprehensive legal scope of authority.

sweeping mandate

Focuses on the comprehensive nature of an authorization.

comprehensive control

Stresses complete and inclusive oversight.

far-reaching influence

Indicates authority that extends significantly.

unlimited power

Suggests a lack of constraints on the authority.

absolute discretion

Highlights the unrestricted nature of the decision-making power.

full autonomy

Emphasizes self-governance with broad authority.

boundless control

Focuses on limitless and unrestricted authority.

general authorization

Highlights the broadly applicable nature of the permission granted.

FAQs

How can I use "wide-ranging authority" in a sentence?

You can use "wide-ranging authority" to describe the extensive powers of an organization or individual, as in "The new law grants the agency "wide-ranging authority" to regulate environmental practices."

What are some alternatives to "wide-ranging authority"?

Alternatives include "extensive power", "broad jurisdiction", or "sweeping mandate", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a wide-ranging authority" or simply "wide-ranging authority"?

While grammatically correct, "a wide-ranging authority" is less common. Using "wide-ranging authority" without the article "a" typically sounds more natural and idiomatic, especially when describing a general capacity or power.

How does "wide-ranging authority" differ from "general authority"?

"General authority" implies a broad scope of power, but "wide-ranging authority" emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of that power across different areas and situations. The former may be sufficient in many cases, but the latter stresses the comprehensiveness.