discretionary intervention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discretionary intervention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a decision is made to intervene based on personal judgment or choice, often in legal, medical, or policy discussions. Example: "The committee decided that a discretionary intervention was necessary to address the unforeseen challenges faced by the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

You picture the second phase as untroubled by America's discretionary intervention in the IMF and the Bank.

The Economist

For a brief period in the 1950s and 60s, it had seemed that the use of Keynesian theory, operating in the context of macro-economic models that had sprung up under the influence of national income statistics and computer technology, would allow economists to guide politicians to steer the economy optimally via discretionary intervention.

The Guardian

The financial regulation allows the government to address changing conditions and to regulate the concession for efficient operation with due discretion, whereas the competitive concessionaire selection and periodic reconcession and rebidding play critical roles in achieving innovation, efficiency and cost effectiveness through direct competition rather than government discretionary intervention.

IATSS Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Discretionary interventions should be on top of standing rules, not instead of them.

The Economist

Light, however, is both an instrumental means and a performative end and, as such, the most strategic use of materials would be as discretionary interventions at the micron scale to facilitate the movement of light.

Yale University

The best way to limit the damage from a property bust is to exercise more direct control over the amount of debt available to property owners and developers, whether through discretionary interventions or standing rules.The past decade has proved again that the phrase "safe as houses" is a nonsense.

The Economist

Physicians and midwives practising in different regions might be more likely to favour discretionary interventions for which strong evidence is lacking [ 26, 32].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

However, discretionary treatment, for example, rescue medication, was permitted.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

To appreciate this point, consider that the CCAR does not merely expand the range of operating conditions over which supervisors are authorized to intervene in bank dividend policies; it also invites supervisors to make such interventions based on discretionary judgments about how to set the stress scenarios.

Columbia University

What the study describes as "largely discretionary" operations – the failed interventions in Iraq from 2003, and in Afghanistan after 2005 – accounted for 84% of the total cost of British military interventions since 1990.

The Guardian

After controlling for these key interventions, provincial discretionary malaria budget was also found to have a significantly protective association with incidence of clinically diagnosed malaria and suggests an independent protective role of health sector capacity building.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "discretionary intervention", ensure the context clearly indicates who has the discretion and on what basis the intervention is decided. Clarity prevents ambiguity and strengthens the argument.

Common error

Do not assume your audience understands the specific scope of "discretionary intervention" in your context. Explicitly define whose discretion is involved and what factors influence the intervention decision to avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discretionary intervention" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'discretionary' modifies 'intervention'. It describes a type of intervention that is not mandatory but is instead based on the judgment or choice of an individual or entity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "discretionary intervention" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe interventions that are not mandatory but based on judgment or choice. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While uncommon, it's found in formal contexts like news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define whose discretion is involved to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "optional intervention" and "selective intervention". Common mistakes involve assuming universal understanding of 'discretionary', so explicitly define the scope in your context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

optional intervention

Emphasizes the choice aspect, highlighting that the intervention is not mandatory.

elective intervention

Similar to 'optional', but often used in contexts where the choice is more formal or structured.

voluntary intervention

Highlights the willingness or consent involved in the intervention.

judgment-based intervention

Focuses on the role of personal judgment in deciding to intervene.

selective intervention

Suggests that the intervention is applied only in specific cases or circumstances.

non-mandatory intervention

A more formal way of saying that the intervention is not required.

permissive intervention

Implies that the intervention is allowed but not enforced.

case-by-case intervention

Highlights that decisions about intervention are made individually for each case.

unforced intervention

Stresses the absence of compulsion in the decision to intervene.

conditional intervention

Indicates that the intervention is dependent on certain conditions being met.

FAQs

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

You can use "discretionary intervention" to describe situations where an action is taken based on someone's judgment, like, "The board approved a "discretionary intervention" to stabilize the market."

What's a good alternative to "discretionary intervention"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "optional intervention", "selective intervention", or "judgment-based intervention".

Is "discretionary intervention" formal or informal?

"Discretionary intervention" is suitable for formal contexts like academic papers, legal documents, and policy discussions due to its precise and professional tone.

What does "discretionary" mean in the context of "discretionary intervention"?

In "discretionary intervention", "discretionary" means that the intervention is not mandatory but is instead based on someone's judgment and choice within established guidelines or policies.