with authority

USAGE SUMMARY

"with authority" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when referring to someone who has the power or right to do something or act with confidence on behalf of someone else, for example, "He spoke with authority on the matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who speaks with authority?

The New York Times

Most entrepreneurs have a problem with authority.

The Economist

Seaver, a college wrestler, writes with authority.

The New York Times - Books

I speak with authority.

The New Yorker

It's written with "authority".

The Guardian - Opinion

"They fear contact with authority.

The New York Times

He leads with authority, energy, humor.

The New York Times - Arts

We associate numbers with authority and certainty.

The Guardian

Anyone with authority was under thirty.

The New Yorker

He marks them out with authority.

The Guardian

But in the finale Sunday, the offense returned with authority.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with authority" to emphasize the confidence, expertise, or official capacity behind an action or statement. This phrase is effective when you want to highlight the legitimacy or weight of the action being described.

Common error

Avoid using "with authority" in very informal or casual situations where a less formal expression would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your communication sound stilted or pretentious in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with authority" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe how an action is performed. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it describes the manner of speaking, leading, or acting. The high number of occurrences shows it's a common way to express confidence and expertise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

12%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with authority" is a versatile phrase used to describe actions or statements made with confidence, expertise, or official backing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using "with authority", ensure it aligns with the formality of the context and avoid overuse in casual settings. Alternatives like "authoritatively" or "confidently" can provide similar meaning with slightly different nuances. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively enhance your writing and convey a sense of legitimacy and power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authoritatively

Adverb form directly conveying the manner of acting with authority.

confidently

Emphasizes the speaker's self-assurance and certainty.

decisively

Highlights the firmness and lack of hesitation in the action.

assertively

Focuses on the forcefulness and directness of the communication.

in a commanding manner

Describes the style of action as one that exerts control and influence.

with conviction

Emphasizes the speaker's strong belief in what they are saying or doing.

on good authority

Indicates the information is based on reliable sources.

with power

Focuses on the influence and control exerted.

with expertise

Highlights the specialized knowledge and skill involved.

with competence

Emphasizes the ability to perform a task effectively.

FAQs

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

You can use "with authority" to describe someone acting or speaking decisively and confidently, often due to their expertise or position. For example, "The doctor spoke "with authority" about the new treatment."

What are some alternatives to "with authority"?

Some alternatives include "authoritatively", "confidently", or "decisively", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone "speaks with authority"?

Yes, it is correct. Saying someone "speaks "with authority"" means they express their opinions or information in a confident and knowledgeable manner, often implying expertise or official backing.

What is the difference between "with authority" and "on good authority"?

"With authority" describes the manner in which someone acts or speaks, indicating confidence and expertise. "On good authority" means that information comes from a reliable source. For example, "He presented the findings "with authority"" versus "I heard about it "on good authority"".