complete discretion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete discretion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the full authority or freedom to make decisions without any restrictions or limitations. Example: "The manager has complete discretion to approve or deny any requests for time off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is a situation where the defendant was given absolute and complete discretion," Judge Grady said.

The New York Times

The Supreme Court has complete discretion over whether to hear one or both cases, or neither.

The New York Times

Ziya Mammadov apparently had complete discretion with regard to Azarpassillo's projects.

The New Yorker

He also has complete discretion to decide whether to investigate a particular case or not.

The Guardian

Disposable income, that portion of an individual's income over which the recipient has complete discretion.

Britannica

He/she also has complete discretion to decide whether to investigate a particular case or not.

The Guardian

Hazelwood often is shorthanded – incorrectly – as a ruling giving schools complete discretion over student publications.

The New York Times

The ad hoc committee has complete discretion as to the review process it undertakes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"She gave them complete discretion," Mr. Fahringer said, and in all, she earned $6 million to $7 million.

The New York Times - Arts

The officer has almost complete discretion and the driver is legally obligated to get out when asked.

The New York Times

The majority of the escorts I list are decent people who provide complete discretion for their customers".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complete discretion" when you want to emphasize that someone has the full and unrestricted authority to make decisions. Be mindful of the context, as it implies a significant level of trust and autonomy.

Common error

Avoid using "complete discretion" when the authority is, in reality, limited or subject to oversight. Misusing the phrase can create unrealistic expectations and lead to misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete discretion" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, indicating that someone possesses the full authority and freedom to make decisions without limitations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complete discretion" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression signifying unrestricted authority in decision-making. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across varied contexts, including news media, academia, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "full autonomy" or "unfettered authority" exist, "complete discretion" clearly conveys the breadth of power entrusted to an individual or entity. Remember to use it accurately, ensuring it reflects the true extent of the authority being described. The abundance of examples found by Ludwig underscores its widespread applicability and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolute freedom

Focuses on the unrestricted nature of the freedom granted.

unfettered authority

Emphasizes the unlimited power and control.

full autonomy

Highlights the independence and self-governance aspect.

unrestricted power

Concentrates on the boundless nature of the power.

carte blanche

Implies unconditional authority or freedom to act.

total command

Underscores complete control and direction.

blank check

Similar to carte blanche, suggesting unlimited resources or freedom.

free rein

Indicates liberty to act as one wishes.

sole jurisdiction

Highlights the exclusive right to make decisions.

final say

Emphasizes the ultimate decision-making power.

FAQs

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

You can use "complete discretion" to indicate that someone has full and unrestricted authority to make decisions. For instance, "The manager has "full discretion" to handle customer complaints as they see fit."

What are some alternatives to "complete discretion"?

Alternatives include "absolute freedom", "unfettered authority", or "full autonomy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "full discretion" instead of "complete discretion"?

"Full discretion" is a perfectly acceptable and often interchangeable alternative to "complete discretion". Both phrases convey a similar meaning of unrestricted decision-making power.

In what situations is it appropriate to grant someone "complete discretion"?

Granting "complete discretion" is appropriate when the individual is highly trusted, possesses the necessary expertise, and the situation requires flexible and independent decision-making. However, it's crucial to consider potential risks and ensure accountability measures are in place.