discretionary action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discretionary action" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone has the authority to make decisions based on their judgment rather than being bound by rules or regulations. Example: "The manager has the discretion to take discretionary action when addressing employee concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

This is a discretionary action by the committee.

The Guardian - Sport

We'd be able to make the case that this isn't a discretionary action but one done in self-defense".

The New Yorker

But of course managers do not just need paying, they need stroking and above all they need a realm of discretionary action: targets, yes, daily supervision, no.

The Guardian

Too much stifles creativity and discretionary action, while too little leaves employees unclear about their authority to make decisions and carry them out.

Harvard Business Review

They add that the Federal Tort Claims Act exempts the Government from liability when it performs a discretionary action like promulgating rules for the public benefit.

The New York Times

After withdrawing his final appeal, Mr. Mahmood sought to have his deportation deferred, a rarely used discretionary action by Immigration and Customs Enforcement that places a lower priority on an alien's removal from the country.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Instead of being part of a comprehensive program of education reform, private initiatives remain hostage to the discretionary actions of the state.

Harvard University

If the administration of § 302(c)(5) trust funds were "collective bargaining" within the meaning of federal labor law, as it would be under the Court of Appeals' view, the NLRB would have to review the discretionary actions of the trustees according to the statutory duty of good-faith bargaining.

Cornell University

(c) To hold that Any substantial deprivation imposed by prison authorities triggers the procedural protections of the Due Process Clause would subject to judicial review a wide spectrum of discretionary actions that traditionally have been the business of prison administrators rather than of the federal courts.

Cornell University

But none of these cases reaches this one; and to hold as we are urged to do that Any substantial deprivation imposed by prison authorities triggers the procedural protections of the Due Process Clause would subject to judicial review a wide spectrum of discretionary actions that traditionally have been the business of prison administrators rather than of the federal courts.

Cornell University

Without this pre-work, any improvisation is likely to be merely discretionary actions of uncoordinated managers.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "discretionary action", ensure that the context clearly indicates who has the authority to exercise that discretion.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating who is authorized to take "discretionary action". Lack of clarity can lead to confusion and misuse of power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discretionary action" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an action that is not mandatory and is performed based on someone's judgment. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

25%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discretionary action" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes an action taken based on individual judgment rather than a strict rule. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its primary function is to describe scenarios where someone exercises their authority to make a choice. The phrase appears most frequently in news media, scientific publications, and academic writing, giving it a neutral to professional register. When using "discretionary action", ensure clarity about who holds the authority and what guidelines they follow. Alternatives include "judgment call" and "optional measure", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

judgment call

Emphasizes the role of personal judgment in the decision.

personal choice

Focuses on the element of personal selection.

optional measure

Focuses on the optional nature of the action.

individual decision

Stresses that the decision is made by an individual.

voluntary step

Highlights the voluntary aspect of the action taken.

self-determined act

Highlights that the action is determined by oneself.

elective procedure

Implies the action is chosen rather than required.

independent assessment

Emphasizes the autonomous nature of the evaluation leading to the action.

at-will action

Indicates the action is taken based on one's own will.

non-compulsory measure

Highlights the non-mandatory aspect of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "discretionary action" in a sentence?

You can use "discretionary action" to describe a situation where someone has the power to make choices based on their own judgment. For instance, "The manager has the authority to take "discretionary action" when addressing employee concerns".

What are some alternatives to "discretionary action"?

Alternatives include "judgment call", "optional measure", or "voluntary step", depending on the specific context.

What does "discretionary action" mean in a legal context?

In law, "discretionary action" often refers to actions taken by government officials or agencies that involve a degree of judgment and are not strictly dictated by law.

Is "discretionary action" the same as "arbitrary action"?

No, "discretionary action" implies the use of judgment within established guidelines, while "arbitrary action" suggests a decision made without reasonable basis or regard for the rules.