by discretion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'by discretion' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to refer to the selective exercise of judgement or a decision made based on careful consideration. For example: The company manager had to make a difficult decision on the matter and employed their discretion by considering all factors involved.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Everything here was done by discretion, centralised at the top.

The Guardian

Girasole means sunflower, and this theme is carried out with flair, tempered by discretion.

The New York Times

The influence of Nice guidelines and standards is potentially stronger; but balanced by discretion for local commissioners to ration treatments.

The Guardian

The "bling-bling" of rich friends and extravagant, chunky watches has been largely replaced by discretion, seriousness and carefully managed appearances.

The New York Times

In sharp contrast, he argued that monetary policy should be guided less by discretion and more by a fixed target for inflation.

The New York Times

I should have thought the Guardian would argue it is wrong for the will of parliament to be frustrated by discretion of the executive, at the behest of large companies with vested interests.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Mr. Martinez said motor vehicle personnel are expected to use case-by-case discretion on prosecuting people who provided a false Social Security number.

The New York Times

Here is what we found: Official response:"How and when reductions are made is down to store-by-store discretion but, obviously, the later in the day the more markdowns you are likely to find".

The Guardian - Money

For the Juvenile Justice Commission, that statistic was a red flag warning that adult parole standards, applied without case-by-case discretion, may be too extreme for juveniles.

Huffington Post

They were suspended by the mayor for many holidays by administrative discretion (much like snow days now).

The New York Times

Total payments are limited only by the discretion of the fund's administrator, a special arbitrator appointed by the government.Traditionally, victims have no right to recover damages from the government, even if it is at fault.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by discretion", ensure it's clear who is exercising the discretion. Specify the individual or entity making the judgment to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "by discretion" without clearly stating who is exercising the discretion. For example, instead of saying 'The procedure was handled by discretion', specify 'The procedure was handled by the physician's discretion'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by discretion" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which an action is carried out. It clarifies that the action is performed based on someone's judgment or selective choice, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by discretion" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating that an action is performed based on individual judgment, selective choice or specific criteria. It is considered grammatically correct, though used uncommonly, and leans toward a professional register, commonly appearing in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. It's important to clarify whose discretion is being referenced to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "at one's discretion" or "as deemed appropriate". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and can be confidently used in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at one's discretion

Specifies the decision-making power rests solely with the individual mentioned.

at their own judgment

Highlights the use of personal assessment and decision-making skills.

according to one's judgment

Emphasizes the alignment of actions with personal evaluation.

as deemed appropriate

Focuses on actions that are suitable or fitting for the circumstances.

as considered necessary

Highlights the perceived need for certain actions or decisions.

based on personal authority

Indicates decisions made using the power or right granted to an individual.

on a case-by-case basis

Suggests individual assessment for each specific situation.

subject to individual assessment

Highlights the role of personal evaluation in the decision-making process.

under one's own authority

Emphasizes the power and control an individual has over decisions.

using one's own discernment

Focuses on the use of insightful judgment and perception.

FAQs

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

You can use "by discretion" to indicate that a decision was made based on someone's judgment or authority, for example: "The treatment was administered "by discretion" of the attending physician".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "by discretion"?

Alternatives include phrases like "at one's discretion", "at their own judgment", or "as deemed appropriate", which all emphasize individual judgment and decision-making.

Is it always necessary to specify who is acting "by discretion"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying who is acting "by discretion" enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity. It's best practice to clearly attribute the judgment to a specific person or entity.

What's the difference between "by discretion" and "by authority"?

"By discretion" implies using judgment and careful consideration, while "by authority" suggests acting based on a granted power or right. Discretion involves more nuanced decision-making than simply following authority.