a degree of autonomy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a degree of autonomy" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means a certain level or amount of self-governing or independent control. Example sentence: Employees in this company have a degree of autonomy when it comes to making decisions, but they still must follow company policies.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lenny's self-manipulation bespeaks a degree of autonomy that belies his brokenness.

The Guardian - Film

Care needs are often unpredictable so the person caring has to have a degree of autonomy.

The Guardian

A senior French diplomat said: "We must retain a degree of autonomy.

Independent

Mr Golani claimed in June that Mr Zawahiri wanted JAN to retain a degree of autonomy.

The Economist

They have a degree of autonomy, charge some fees and get decent results.

The Economist

The fighters say the election and the military's continued dominance threaten any chance of achieving a degree of autonomy.

The Guardian

Yet they are increasingly important, running companies with a degree of autonomy that was unthinkable a generation ago.

The Guardian

Ethnic Albanians account for 90percentt of Kosovo's 1.8 million population and once had a degree of autonomy.

The New York Times

Since its launch in 1953 it had achieved a degree of autonomy that Mr Birt found intolerable.

The Economist

The managerial and technical units of adhocracies require a degree of autonomy that political masters seldom permit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Feeling a degree of autonomy, they remain curious, engaged, and develop an increasing sense of responsibility over their lives.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing organizational structures, use "a degree of autonomy" to clearly indicate the level of independence afforded to different units or individuals. This helps to define responsibilities and decision-making authority.

Common error

Avoid using "a degree of autonomy" when referring to complete independence. The phrase implies limitations or oversight, so ensure it accurately reflects the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a degree of autonomy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It quantifies the extent of independence or self-governance within a specific context. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a degree of autonomy" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a limited or partial independence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While synonyms like "a measure of independence" or "limited self-governance" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance desired. When writing, ensure the phrase accurately reflects the extent of independence and avoid overstating the level of autonomy. This phrase is especially useful in discussing organizational structures and clarifying decision-making authorities. Considering its frequent use in authoritative sources, mastering its proper usage is crucial for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a measure of independence

Replaces "degree of autonomy" with "measure of independence", emphasizing the extent of freedom from external control.

partial independence

Substitutes "degree of autonomy" with "partial independence", indicating a state of being partly free from external control.

a level of self-determination

Substitutes "degree of autonomy" with "level of self-determination", highlighting the power to make decisions for oneself.

limited self-governance

Replaces "degree of autonomy" with "limited self-governance", emphasizing that the autonomy is not absolute.

some scope for initiative

Replaces "degree of autonomy" with "scope for initiative", focusing on the opportunity to act independently.

relative freedom

Replaces "degree of autonomy" with "relative freedom", highlighting the freedom is in relation to something else.

a certain latitude

Substitutes "degree of autonomy" with "latitude", suggesting a range of acceptable behavior or decision-making.

some discretionary power

Substitutes "degree of autonomy" with "discretionary power", focusing on the power to make choices.

flexibility within limits

Substitutes "degree of autonomy" with "flexibility within limits", emphasizing adaptability within defined boundaries.

room for maneuver

Replaces "degree of autonomy" with "room for maneuver", suggesting available space for strategic action.

FAQs

How can I use "a degree of autonomy" in a sentence?

You can use "a degree of autonomy" to describe situations where individuals or groups have some, but not complete, freedom to make decisions or act independently. For example, "The project team was given "a degree of autonomy" in how they approached the problem".

What are some alternatives to saying "a degree of autonomy"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a measure of independence", "limited self-governance", or "some discretionary power", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "full autonomy" instead of "a degree of autonomy"?

While "full autonomy" implies complete independence, ""a degree of autonomy"" suggests a partial or limited independence. The choice depends on the actual level of independence being described.

What's the difference between "a degree of autonomy" and "a degree of freedom"?

"A degree of autonomy" refers specifically to the power to self-govern or make independent decisions, while "a degree of freedom" is a more general term that refers to the ability to act without constraint.