Cool MateAuthority vs What they say goes
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Authority
Top 2,000 (common)B1noun
What they say goes
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: AuthorityMost common: Authority
| Authority | What they say goes | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //əˈθɔːrɪti//🇺🇸 //əˈθɔːrɪti// | 🇬🇧 //wɒt ðeɪ seɪ ɡoʊz//🇺🇸 //wɑt ðeɪ seɪ ɡoʊz// |
| Meaning | The power or right to give orders and make decisions. | What someone says is accepted as the rule. |
| Example | The teacher has authority over the students. | In our team, what they say goes, so we all follow her advice. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | exercise authority, recognize authority, challenge authority | what they say goes without question, what they say goes in this team, what they say goes for everyone |
| Antonyms | powerlessness, subordination | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'author' - authority refers to power, not authorship., Misused in singular form; should often use 'authorities' for multiple groups or people. | Using it in a formal context where authority structure is unclear., Confusing it with 'what they say goes' when discussing multiple opinions. |
| Usage notes | Used in both formal and informal contexts. Often refers to organizations or individuals in positions of power. | Used informally, often in group situations where someone's authority is accepted. Not appropriate in formal writing or discussions. |
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Frequently asked questions: Authority vs What they say goes
What's the difference between Authority and What they say goes?
Authority: The power or right to give orders and make decisions. What they say goes: What someone says is accepted as the rule.
Which is more formal: Authority and What they say goes?
Authority is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Authority and What they say goes?
Authority is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Authority: The teacher has authority over the students. What they say goes: In our team, what they say goes, so we all follow her advice.
Can I use Authority and What they say goes interchangeably?
Not always. Authority and What they say goes are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.