within my authority

USAGE SUMMARY

"within my authority" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate the scope or limits of your power or responsibility in a situation. For example: "I cannot approve the request, as it is not within my authority."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

As president, it seemed to be within my authority to have access to that information.

The New York Times

But I'm confident that there are some steps that we can take that don't require legislation and that are within my authority as president.

The New York Times

And you're going to squawk if I try to fix some parts of it administratively that are within my authority, while you are not doing anything?

Huffington Post

"I'm confident there are some steps that we can take that don't require legislation and that are within my authority as president," said Obama.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

These measures, or such other measures as the Congress may build out of its experience and wisdom, I shall seek, within my constitutional authority, to bring to speedy adoption.

The Guardian

"The good news is that these are not only recommendations that are well within my legal authority and executive branch, but they are also ones that the overwhelming majority of American people – including gun owners – support.

The Guardian

And the good news is, is that these are not only recommendations that are well within my legal authority and the executive branch, but they're also ones that the overwhelming majority of the American people, including gun owners, support and believe.

TechCrunch

"These are not only recommendations that are well within my legal authority and the executive branch, but they're also ones that the overwhelming majority of the American people, including gun owners, support me doing," Obama told reporters on Monday.

Huffington Post

"I intend to continue to do what I've been doing, which is: where I see a big problem and the opportunity to help the American people, and it is within my lawful authority to provide that help, I'm going to do it," Obama said.

Los Angeles Times

And within the context of my authorities, we're going to do everything we can to hunt down and kill every one of those Haqqani operatives that we can inside this country.

Vice

I have also directed Secretary Johnson and Attorney General Holder to identify additional actions my administration can take on our own, within my existing legal authorities, to do what Congress refuses to do and fix as much of our immigration system as we can.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "within my authority" to clearly define the limits of your power or responsibility, especially in professional or formal communications. This avoids ambiguity and sets expectations appropriately.

Common error

Avoid using "within my authority" when you lack the actual power to act. Ensure your actions align with your defined responsibilities to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within my authority" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to specify the limits of one's power or jurisdiction. As Ludwig AI explains, it clarifies the boundaries of what one is entitled or empowered to do. The examples show it used in context to define actions taken or decisions made under proper authorization.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "within my authority" is a prepositional phrase used to define the scope of one's power or jurisdiction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a grammatically correct and usable phrase for indicating the limits of one's responsibilities. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it serves to justify actions and clarify roles, maintaining a neutral to professional tone. While not frequently used, when it appears, it does so within reliable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Therefore, use it to set expectations in a clear and effective way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Under my jurisdiction

Focuses on the area of responsibility or control.

Within the scope of my power

Emphasizes the extent or range of one's authority.

Permitted by my authority

Highlights that an action is allowed by one's position.

According to my mandate

Implies acting in accordance with assigned duties or responsibilities.

By virtue of my office

Suggests that authority is derived directly from one's position.

In my capacity

Refers to actions taken while acting in a specific role.

It's my prerogative

Emphasizes a right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or class.

It's my call

Suggests the power to make a final decision.

I have the discretion

Implies freedom to make judgments and decisions.

It's my responsibility

Focuses on the duties and obligations of a role.

FAQs

How can I use "within my authority" in a sentence?

You can use "within my authority" to specify that an action or decision falls under your jurisdiction or power, like: "Approving this request is within my authority".

What phrases are similar to "within my authority"?

Similar phrases include "under my jurisdiction", "within the scope of my power", or "permitted by my authority". See more alternatives "under my jurisdiction".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "within my authority"?

It's appropriate in formal settings or professional contexts when clarifying that your actions align with your role and responsibilities.

Is it better to say "within my authority" or "it is my responsibility"?

The best option depends on the context. "Within my authority" emphasizes power, while "it is my responsibility" highlights duty. If you are referring to duty alternatives "it is my responsibility".