authority on vs authority over

Both 'authority on' and 'authority over' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Authority on' is used when referring to someone who is knowledgeable or an expert in a particular subject. 'Authority over' is used when referring to someone who has control or power over others.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 1248 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"authority on"

This phrase is used to describe someone who is knowledgeable or an expert in a particular subject.

Examples:

He is an authority on ancient history.
She is considered an authority on climate change.
The professor is an authority on Shakespearean literature.

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My mother was an authority on pigsties.
Professor Cravitz is a leading authority on colonialism.
He has total authority on this boat.
Signor Caspetti is a great authority on Piranesi.
I am an authority on NATO.
The authority on coinage in Rome originally belonged to the consuls exercised by trustees.
You are the authority on what is not possible.
My mother-in-law, Mrs Jennings, is a great authority on these matters.
I'm not an authority on fish.
The high authority on this subject is incorrect?
Ménétries was an authority on Lepidoptera and Coleoptera but also worked on other orders.
These are the personalities honored with authority on Divinington.
~ Establish you as the only authority on magic in the realm.
But they are the foremost authority on the matter.
He was considered an authority on the life and works of George Frideric Handel.
He's the premiere authority on cystic fibrosis in the country.
Possibly the world's greatest authority on Wagner.
I'm an authority on animal cries.
I have full authority on this matter.
The referee has final decision-making authority on all matters.

Alternatives:

expert on
specialist in
knowledgeable about
proficient in
well-versed in

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"authority over"

This phrase is used to describe someone who has control or power over others.

Examples:

The manager has authority over the employees.
The king has authority over his kingdom.
The government has authority over the country.

Show examples from the web [+]

civil authority, civil officer - a person who exercises authority over civilian affairs. rebuker, reproacher, reprover, upbraider - someone who finds fault or imputes ...
This office has authority over personnel matters. [=this office has the power to make decisions about personnel matters]. You don't have authority over me.
Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.
Yes, the Bible clearly states that God gives some individuals spiritual authority over others. There are various levels of authority in any person's life, and each of ...

Alternatives:

control over
power over
dominance over
jurisdiction over
supervision over

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authority on vs authority over

"authority on"

"authority over"

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