discretionary amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discretionary amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to a sum of money that can be spent or allocated at one's discretion, often in budgeting or financial discussions. Example: "The company has set aside a discretionary amount for employee bonuses this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But this calculation is capped at $136,000 plus a discretionary amount above that.

The New York Times

In many states, service industry workers are paid below minimum wage, with much of their earnings expected to come from this discretionary amount.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

(Indeed, the discretionary savings amount from the Boehner-Obama negotiations were locked in in BCA [Budget Control Act of 2011]: the sequester was just designed to force all back to table on entitlements and revenues).

Huffington Post

For an emergency supply where a future NHS prescription is unlikely to be obtained, usually for outside visitors to the locality, a charge is made to the patient to cover the medicine costs, and a discretionary small amount for administration.

BMJ Open

When Nixon resigned from office in 1974, nonmilitary discretionary spending amounted to about 4 percent of the nation's economy — roughly the same as at the end of the Johnson administration before him.

The New York Times

The couple argued the council's decision to take DLA into account when calculating discretionary payments amounted to a breach of the 2010 Equality Act and the European Convention On Human Rights.

BBC

The issuance of such variances is a standard matter, but discretionary, since they amount to an exemption from the law.

The New Yorker

Some of the expenses were not discretionary: A certain amount was apportioned for company overhead — recurring items like phone, auto and things of that nature.

Los Angeles Times

What these programs do is charge you a low monthly fee based on your discretionary income (the amount of your paycheck leftover after paying taxes and necessities like rent and food), and forgive the debt if it hasn't been paid off in 20 to 25 years.

Vice

I am constantly struck by the amount of discretionary effort and resilience within the NHS.

The Guardian

"There's a tremendous number of kids, and tremendous amount of discretionary income, among the class who'd be interested".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing budgets or financial plans, use "discretionary amount" to clearly indicate the portion of funds that can be allocated based on choice or judgment.

Common error

Avoid using "discretionary amount" interchangeably with disposable income. While related, disposable income refers to the money available after taxes and necessary expenses, whereas "discretionary amount" refers to funds allocated for non-essential spending within a specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discretionary amount" functions primarily as a noun phrase, modifying another noun or pronoun. It describes a sum that can be spent or allocated at will. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "discretionary amount" is a noun phrase used to describe a sum of money available for optional or variable allocation. While grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates it has a rare frequency. It's suitable for neutral and professional contexts. Be mindful not to confuse it with disposable income. Common alternatives include "optional sum", "flexible fund", and "available budget". To ensure clarity, always specify the context in which the "discretionary amount" is relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

optional sum

Emphasizes the optional nature of the amount.

flexible fund

Highlights the adaptability and freedom in using the funds.

variable allowance

Focuses on the variability and permissibility associated with the allowance.

available budget

Refers to the budgetary aspect of the amount that is available.

unallocated funds

Highlights that the funds have not yet been designated for a specific purpose.

elective spending

Focuses on the choice-driven nature of the spending.

contingency fund

Specifies that the amount is set aside for unexpected or contingent needs.

reserve capital

Implies that the amount is held in reserve for potential use.

surplus resources

Suggests the amount represents resources exceeding immediate needs.

free capital

Highlights the unrestricted nature of the capital.

FAQs

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

You can use "discretionary amount" to refer to a sum of money that is available to be spent or allocated at someone's discretion. For example: "The budget includes a "discretionary amount" for employee training."

What are some alternatives to "discretionary amount"?

Alternatives to "discretionary amount" include "optional sum", "flexible fund", or "available budget", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "discretionary amount" and disposable income?

"Discretionary amount" refers to funds allocated for non-essential spending within a defined context, while disposable income is the money available after taxes and necessary expenses. They are related, but not interchangeable.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the term "discretionary amount"?

"Discretionary amount" is appropriate in financial, budgetary, and legal contexts where referring to a specific sum of money that can be spent or allocated at will. It is commonly used in discussions of government spending, personal finance, and corporate budgeting.