What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
clout
Example
The CEO of the company has a lot of clout in the business world. [clout: noun]
Example
She used her clout to secure funding for the project. [clout: noun]
authority
Example
The police officer has the authority to arrest suspects. [authority: noun]
Example
As a professor, she speaks with authority on the subject. [authority: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Authority is more commonly used than clout in everyday language. Authority is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, such as legal, professional, or academic settings. Clout, on the other hand, is less common and is often used in specific industries or when referring to someone's social or political influence.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between clout and authority?
While authority is generally considered more formal, clout can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Clout may have a slightly more casual or colloquial tone, especially when used to describe someone's influence or power.
