wield authority

USAGE SUMMARY

"wield authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to someone who has the power to make decisions and enforce rules. For example, "The CEO wielded her authority wisely in making the final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

There is no mechanism to wield authority.

The New York Times

Yohannes thus became the first Ethiopian emperor in 300 years to wield authority from Tigray south to Guragē.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And power basically looks at how we respond to authority or wield authority in any kind of system.

Harvard Business Review

The two sides have been working out details on how Mr. Gates would wield authority in a new administration.

The New York Times

Wukan's land scandal reaches into layers of higher governments whose territory includes the village, and who wield authority over village leaders.

The New York Times

At the same time, there is uncertainty about how he may wield authority in a system where power has grown increasingly diffuse.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

But Sony's recent leaders have had trouble wielding authority over the sprawling company.

The New York Times

Trump competed to become a cadet leader and enjoyed wielding authority.

The Washington Post

The Transportation Security Administration wields authority over pipeline security but has yet to promulgate industry-wide standards for computer security, relying instead on the voluntary adoption of best practices.

The New York Times

Neither government was stable and united, and neither emperor nor shogun actually wielded authority in his respective government, each having become the puppet of powerful families.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If democracies could concentrate authority in such a league, at least part of the world would have a mechanism for wielding authority.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wield authority" to describe the legitimate or recognized use of power, particularly in formal or organizational contexts. It suggests a degree of skill or responsibility in how that power is used.

Common error

Avoid using "wield authority" when describing informal or illegitimate uses of power. The phrase implies a formal, recognized, or justified form of control, so using it in other contexts may be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wield authority" functions as a verb phrase where "wield" acts as a transitive verb taking "authority" as its direct object. It describes the action of exerting or applying power that one possesses. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wield authority" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly within news, encyclopedic and scientific contexts, to describe the exercise of legitimate power. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correctly used to indicate someone's capacity to make decisions and enforce rules, especially in formal settings. When writing, remember it implies legitimate, recognized power. Alternatives like "exercise control" or "exert influence" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context. Key sources employing this phrase prominently include The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert power

A more direct synonym, focusing on the application of power.

wield influence

Replaces authority with influence, shifting the focus slightly.

wield power

A close synonym, simply replacing "authority" with "power".

exercise control

Focuses on the act of controlling rather than the power itself.

exert influence

Highlights the act of influencing, suggesting a more subtle form of power.

have command

Highlights the possession of control or authority.

command respect

Implies that authority is derived from the respect one receives.

hold sway

Emphasizes the extent of influence or control.

maintain dominance

Focuses on sustaining a position of power.

exert dominance

Focuses on applying dominance.

FAQs

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

To effectively use "wield authority", ensure the subject has legitimate power or control in the situation. For example, "The president must "wield authority" to make critical decisions during a crisis".

What are some alternatives to "wield authority" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "exercise control", "exert influence", or "exert power". Each carries slightly different connotations regarding the nature of the power being used.

Is it appropriate to use "wield authority" in informal settings?

While grammatically correct, "wield authority" is generally more suitable for formal or professional contexts. In informal settings, phrases like "take charge" or "call the shots" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "wield authority" and "exert dominance"?

"Wield authority" suggests legitimate or recognized power, while "exert dominance" implies a more forceful or potentially oppressive display of power. Authority is often associated with responsibility and legitimacy, whereas dominance focuses on control and superiority.