broad discretion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broad discretion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is given a wide range of choices or freedom to make decisions. Example: "The committee has broad discretion in determining the eligibility of applicants for the scholarship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Justice Konviser-Levine will have broad discretion at their sentencing.

The New York Times

They also exercised broad discretion in whom they detained.

The New Yorker

States have broad discretion in setting Medicaid payment rates.

The New York Times - Health

The rules are loose and give the sheriffs broad discretion.

The New York Times

School officials have broad discretion in how they discipline students.

The Washington Post

But the law gave broad discretion to the secretary of health and human services.

The New York Times

Most states allow trial judges broad discretion to permit or exclude cameras.

The New York Times

As interior secretary, Ms. Norton would have broad discretion over thousands of mines on public land.

The New York Times

They were organized in Virginia, where candidates are given broad discretion in spending.

The New York Times

No one debated that it was given broad discretion from the outset".

The New York Times

States would have broad discretion in deciding how to use the money.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "broad discretion", ensure the context clearly defines who holds this discretion and in what area. This avoids ambiguity and clarifies responsibility.

Common error

Avoid assuming "broad discretion" means unlimited power. It typically operates within legal, ethical, or organizational boundaries. Always verify the actual limits of the discretion in question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broad discretion" functions as a noun phrase, where 'broad' modifies 'discretion'. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically sound. It typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition, indicating the extent of freedom or authority granted to someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broad discretion" is a frequently used phrase that signifies a wide range of decision-making authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and is commonly found in contexts such as News & Media, Academia and Formal & Business. When using "broad discretion", clarify who possesses the discretion and its boundaries to avoid ambiguity, and remember that even "broad discretion" typically operates within certain limitations. Alternatives such as "wide latitude" or "extensive authority" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wide latitude

Emphasizes the freedom to act within general boundaries, focusing on the permissible range of actions.

extensive authority

Highlights the significant power and right to make decisions and enforce them.

considerable leeway

Stresses the flexibility and room for maneuver in specific situations or decisions.

ample scope

Focuses on the breadth and range of possibilities or actions available.

significant autonomy

Underlines the independence and self-governance in making choices.

substantial flexibility

Highlights the adaptability and capacity to adjust approaches as needed.

sweeping powers

Emphasizes the comprehensive and far-reaching nature of the authority.

unfettered judgment

Stresses the absence of constraints or limitations on one's decision-making process.

free rein

Highlights the unrestricted freedom to act or decide as one wishes.

carte blanche

Indicates complete freedom and authority to act at one's discretion.

FAQs

How can I use "broad discretion" in a sentence?

You can use "broad discretion" to describe someone's wide-ranging authority, as in, "The judge has "broad discretion" in sentencing".

What are some alternatives to "broad discretion"?

Alternatives include "wide latitude", "extensive authority", or "considerable leeway", depending on the specific context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the term "broad discretion"?

The term is appropriate when describing situations where someone has significant freedom to make decisions, often within legal, administrative, or managerial roles. For example, "The attorney general has "broad discretion" over enforcing immigration laws".

What's the difference between "broad discretion" and "full authority"?

"Broad discretion" implies freedom within certain boundaries, while "full authority" suggests unlimited power. One has "broad discretion" if they can make varied decisions, but someone with "full authority" faces no restrictions.