authorities

Everyday

1. The authorities: the people or organisations in charge, such as the police, the government or the council. tree →
2. Experts who know a great deal about a subject (an authority on birds). tree →
3. Plural of authority: the power or right to give orders or make decisions. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and safety: «report it to the authorities», «the local authorities closed the road». In news stories it means police or officials. In science or history, «authorities» can be the experts or books you trust. Phrases: the local authorities, the health authorities, school authorities.

Examples

• The authorities closed the beach because of sharks. tree →
• If you find something dangerous, tell the authorities. tree →
• The school authorities sent a letter home. tree →
• Health authorities say we should wash our hands often. tree →
• She is one of the leading authorities on dinosaurs. tree →
• The local authorities fixed the broken streetlight. tree →
• The lost hikers were found by the authorities. tree →
• We'll hand you over to the authorities. tree →

Note

«The authorities» is plural and usually takes a plural verb: the authorities are. Singular «authority» can also be uncountable meaning power (She has authority over the class). In the UK a «local authority» is the council. Not the same as «author».

In Jewish tradition

In everyday life and safety: «report it to the authorities», «the local authorities closed the road». In news stories it means police or officials. In science or history, «authorities» can be the experts or books you trust. Phrases: the local authorities, the health authorities, school authorities.

Note

«The authorities» is plural and usually takes a plural verb: the authorities are. Singular «authority» can also be uncountable meaning power (She has authority over the class). In the UK a «local authority» is the council. Not the same as «author».