applying their discretion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "applying their discretion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of making decisions based on personal judgment or choice, often in a professional or formal context. Example: "The manager is applying their discretion to determine which employees will receive bonuses this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

People feel great shame and psychologically don't feel able to talk about it for some time," she told World at One. "Quite often the courts will apply their discretion to allow these cases.

The Guardian

A Department for Education spokesperson said that its guidance had not changed, and schools should use their discretion in applying the rules.

The Guardian

I have a lot of sympathy for the view that referees should be allowed to use their discretion and apply common sense, generally - especially if it helps keep the game flowing.

BBC

On activation of the electronic template, general practitioners may use their discretion to apply the exclusion criteria as appropriate and exit the template.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Although the personalised, individual behavioural interventions were not specifically standardised, and the participating maternity wards could use their discretion to apply their own standard methods, these interventions were based on the national consensus document.

British Medical Journal

Composers now specified orchestration where individual performers once applied their own discretion.

Wikipedia

This finding has been reported elsewhere [ 14, 15] and may lead to feelings of pressure and obligation rather than leaving staff with the confidence to apply their personal discretion and judgement.

BMC Palliative Care

The authors said they focused on suspensions, which often result from fighting, abusive language and classroom disruptions, because they were a measure that school administrators can apply at their discretion.

The New York Times

See Thomas v. Board of Education, Granville Central School Dist., 607 F.2d 1043, 1057 (CA2 1979) (Newman, J., concurring in result) ("[S]chool officials... do [not] have limitless discretion to apply their own notions of indecency. Courts have a First [p690] Amendment responsibility to insure that robust rhetoric... is not suppressed by prudish failures to distinguish the vigorous from the vulgar").

Cornell University

Recent illegal crossers are also excluded from an Obama administration policy applying prosecutorial discretion to spare illegal immigrants from deportation if they have not been convicted of crimes.

The New York Times

In applying this discretion, district courts are "to be guided by the sound legal principles" developed over nearly two centuries of application and interpretation of the Patent Act.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, ensure that the context allows for personal judgment. Over-reliance on discretion can undermine standardized procedures.

Common error

Do not assume readers automatically understand the basis for the discretion being applied. Always provide context or reasoning to support the decision-making process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "applying their discretion" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of using personal judgment or choice in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "applying their discretion" is a grammatically sound and usable expression signifying the act of using personal judgment in decision-making. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. While not exceedingly common, it appears in various professional contexts, including news, science, and academia. Alternative phrases such as "exercising their judgment" or "employing their discernment" can provide nuanced variations. Effective usage involves understanding the context in which personal judgment is appropriate and ensuring clarity in its application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercising their judgment

Emphasizes the use of personal judgment in decision-making, differing slightly in formality.

using their judgment

Focuses on the act of employing one's evaluative skills, with a slightly broader application.

exercising their prerogative

Highlights the use of a right or privilege, adding a layer of authority to the action.

using their own judgment

Stresses the independence of the decision-making process, adding emphasis on autonomy.

employing their discernment

Underscores the use of keen insight and good judgment, adding an element of sophistication.

applying their own criteria

Focuses on the specific standards used in making a decision, emphasizing individual benchmarks.

acting at their own discretion

Highlights the freedom to act according to one's own judgment, adding a temporal aspect.

making a judgment call

Suggests an immediate and decisive decision, with a slightly less formal tone.

using their better judgment

Implies careful consideration and sound reasoning, adding a moral or ethical dimension.

relying on their judgment

Emphasizes the dependence on one's own evaluative skills, with a slightly different focus.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "applying their discretion" in a formal context?

In a formal setting, you can use phrases like "exercising their judgment" or "employing their discernment" to convey a similar meaning with a slightly more elevated tone.

What's the difference between "applying their discretion" and "using their judgment"?

"Applying their discretion" emphasizes the act of using one's freedom to choose, while "using their judgment" focuses on the evaluative skills employed in making a decision. They are largely interchangeable, but the nuance lies in the focus.

Is it appropriate to use "applying their discretion" in academic writing?

Yes, "applying their discretion" is appropriate in academic writing, especially when discussing decision-making processes, interpretations, or evaluations within a specific field. Ensure the context warrants the use of personal judgment.

What are some common situations where someone might "applying their discretion"?

Situations include legal judgments, medical treatments, managerial decisions, and educational evaluations where a person's professional judgment is required to tailor a response to specific circumstances. For example, a judge might "exercise discretion" in sentencing.