best discretion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "best discretion" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone should use their own judgment or judgment in a particular situation. Example: "Please handle this sensitive information with your best discretion to ensure confidentiality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

We expect you to know the difference between the letter of the law, and the spirit of the law, and when to use your best discretion.

The Washington Post

"While we must vigilantly protect the rights of law-abiding firearm owners, we also must ensure the right of designated public entities to exercise their best discretion in matters of safety and security," Mr. Snyder said.

The New York Times

Although she cooked noodles, baked a pound cake and is serving Dos Equis, which is a step up from Bud Light, Hannah doesn't have the best discretion when it comes to invitations.

Huffington Post

"While we must vigilantly protect the rights of law-abiding firearm owners, we also must ensure the right of designated public entities to exercise their best discretion in matters of safety and security," said Gov. Snyder in a statement sent to The Huffington Post.

Huffington Post

"While we must vigilantly protect the rights of law-abiding firearm owners, we also must ensure the right of designated public entities to exercise their best discretion in matters of safety and security," the Republican governor said in a statement announcing the veto.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The pre-9/11 cases brought in Manhattan, said Peter S. Margulies, a law professor at Roger Williams University in Rhode Island, "reflected U.S. attorneys and federal prosecutors at their best, using their discretion, bringing cases when they had strong cases and declining to bring them when they were weak".

The New York Times

The best companies sometimes prefer discretion to shouting about their merits, or even delay their results.

The Economist

Competition, they say, ensures that customers get the best rate; dealers need discretion to compete.

The Economist

Fair competition in capitalism seemed to be like the strike zone in baseball -- a matter of considerable discretion and best left to the regulation of umpires.

The New York Times - Magazine

Words that can harm you Trade secrets Protesting too much Generali steps out Cross-breeding Weighing up the WTO ReprintsCalPERS fears that forced disclosure would hurt its returns because it would be shunned by the best funds, which value discretion.

The Economist

At the Nov. 19 hearing in Minneapolis, no one contested the terms of Mr. Temeczko's will, which stipulated that the city use the money "for the interests of the people of New York City, as its mayor and City Council shall best determine in their discretion".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When entrusting someone with a task that requires sensitivity or nuanced understanding, explicitly encourage them to use their "best discretion" to navigate unforeseen complexities and achieve the desired outcome.

Common error

Avoid rigidly adhering to rules or guidelines without considering the specific context. The phrase "best discretion" implies the ability to adapt and make informed decisions even when faced with ambiguity or conflicting information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "best discretion" functions as a noun phrase, where "best" modifies "discretion". It suggests the highest level of careful judgment and wise decision-making. Ludwig AI confirms it's a usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "best discretion" is a grammatically sound expression that encourages wise and responsible decision-making. While not exceedingly common, Ludwig AI confirms it's a usable phrase. Its usage spans news, science, and formal contexts, emphasizing the importance of sound judgment and adaptability. Alternatives like "sound judgment" or "wise discernment" offer similar meanings. Remember to use "best discretion" when entrusting someone with a task that requires sensitivity and nuanced understanding, avoiding rigid adherence to rules without considering the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sound judgment

Emphasizes the quality of the judgment itself, implying reliability and good sense.

wise discernment

Highlights the ability to distinguish between different options and make a judicious choice.

careful consideration

Focuses on the thoughtfulness and attention given to a particular matter before making a decision.

prudent decision-making

Implies a cautious and practical approach to making choices, avoiding unnecessary risks.

informed opinion

Stresses the importance of having adequate knowledge and understanding before forming a judgment.

personal accountability

Shifts the focus to the individual's responsibility for the choices they make.

responsible approach

Highlights the ethical and moral dimensions of decision-making.

individual evaluation

Suggests an assessment performed by a single person, emphasizing their perspective and analysis.

deliberate action

Highlights the process of thinking deeply about the potential consequences.

astute evaluation

Implies a clever and perceptive assessment of a situation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "best discretion" in a sentence?

Use "best discretion" when you want to convey that someone should use their own judgment and wisdom to make decisions, especially in situations where there isn't a clear-cut rule or guideline.

What are some situations where using "best discretion" is appropriate?

Using "best discretion" is appropriate in situations involving sensitive information, complex ethical dilemmas, or when dealing with unique circumstances that require adaptability and careful consideration. It implies a level of trust and confidence in the decision-maker.

Are there alternative phrases I can use instead of "best discretion"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "sound judgment", "wise discernment", or "careful consideration" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "using your discretion" and "using your best discretion"?

"Using your discretion" simply means using your judgment. "Using your best discretion" implies using your highest level of judgment, wisdom, and care in making a decision. It suggests a more thoughtful and responsible approach.