wield absolute authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wield absolute authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone has complete control or power over a situation or group. Example: "The CEO wields absolute authority over the company's operations and decision-making processes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Still, the king continues to wield absolute authority on all political matters.

The New York Times

It's good, many say, that the system has matured to the point that no one man can wield absolute authority, as Mao did at the peak of his power with disastrous consequences.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Most people assume that the president wields absolute authority to pardon others and potentially even himself.

The Washington Post

According to Linda A. Pollock, of Tulane University, the fact that premodern parents wielded absolute authority over their children (including the right to beat them), failed to regard them as individuals, and had an economic interest in them — three conditions that the sentimentalist school says preclude any notion of childhood comparable to our own — doesn't mean they didn't love them.

The New Yorker

Hundreds of supporters and protesters chanted slogans and beat drums as the police convoy bearing the man who once wielded absolute authority in his country sped into the dreary Belmarsh courthouse next to a maximum security prison in a bleak lowland area known as Plumstead Marsh.

The New York Times

However, CCWs do not seem to wield absolute power or authority to compel clients or family to accept care beyond the bounds of negotiation and consensus.

Global Health Action

Legal documents from the 19th century refer to merchant-marine captains as "Masters under God" for the absolute authority they wielded.

The Economist

By turns forgetful, peevish, grandiose and abject, he wields the power of a king accustomed to taking for granted his absolute authority.

The New York Times

In the late 1990s he relinquished absolute authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The absolute authority of the past?

The New Yorker

"But he is giving himself absolute authority".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "wield absolute authority" when describing situations where an individual or entity possesses and exercises unrestricted power, especially in political, historical, or organizational contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "wield absolute authority" when describing shared or delegated power. The phrase implies singular, unquestioned control, so ensure it accurately reflects the distribution of authority in your context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wield absolute authority" functions as a verb phrase, where "wield" is the verb, "absolute" is an adjective modifying "authority", and "authority" is the noun. It describes the act of exercising complete and unrestricted power.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wield absolute authority" is grammatically correct and used to describe the exercise of complete and unrestricted power. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While the phrase is not overly common, it appears across various authoritative sources, including news media and encyclopedias, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the context genuinely reflects a situation of singular and unquestioned control. Consider alternatives like "exercise supreme power" or "exert total control" if a different nuance is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise supreme power

Emphasizes the act of using power that is the highest in rank or authority.

exert total control

Focuses on the application of complete command over something.

command unlimited power

Highlights the possession and ability to use power without restrictions.

hold complete sway

Suggests having a dominant influence or persuasive power.

enjoy unrestricted authority

Indicates the benefit of having authority without limitations.

dominate with unquestioned power

Emphasizes the act of controlling through power that is not challenged.

reign with unchallenged authority

Suggests ruling or governing without opposition to one's authority.

maintain absolute dominion

Focuses on preserving complete control or sovereignty.

govern with autocratic power

Implies ruling with the unlimited power of a single individual.

have ultimate jurisdiction

Refers to possessing the final legal authority to make decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "wield absolute authority" in a sentence?

You can use "wield absolute authority" to describe someone or something that possesses ultimate control. For example, "The king continued to "wield absolute authority" on all political matters."

What does it mean to "wield absolute authority"?

To "wield absolute authority" means to possess and exercise complete and unrestricted power or control over someone or something.

What are some alternatives to saying "wield absolute authority"?

Some alternatives to "wield absolute authority" include "exercise supreme power", "exert total control", or "command unlimited power" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say someone "wields absolute authority"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say someone "wields absolute authority". It means they have and use total power or control.