discretionary power

USAGE SUMMARY

"discretionary power" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to the power of choice or decision-making authority given to someone. Example sentence: The board granted the manager wide discretionary power to make decisions regarding the budget.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Clearer laws and less bureaucracy would reduce the discretionary power of officials.

The Economist

It also promised to remove the tax board's discretionary power to create loopholes.

The Economist

Timing is a form of discretionary power previously held by the incumbent PM.

The Guardian

But a central bank cannot become an unelected Czar with sweeping, unaccountable discretionary power.

Stanford University

Congress unequivocally chose not to give nonreviewable discretionary power to the Attorney General to deny bail.

Cornell University

The numbers matter because legal scholars say a president's discretionary power on immigration is not unlimited.

The New York Times

On Tudor precedents the crown argued that it had a large discretionary power of arrest.

Britannica

"This is what comes of Congress giving the E.P.A. administrator broad discretionary power to write and enforce rules.

The New York Times

Given that possibility, the "summary suspension" of the bar's license seemed like a prudent enough use of state discretionary power.

The New Yorker

Some may say that taking away the government's discretionary power is like taking away a sailor's curse words.

The New York Times

Abu Ghraib had sent the message that the Pentagon leadership was unable to handle its discretionary power.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In your writing, avoid ambiguity by clearly stating who possesses the "discretionary power" and the specific context in which it applies.

Common error

Avoid using "discretionary power" without specifying the entity or individual holding this power; otherwise, the statement lacks clarity and can lead to misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discretionary power" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies the authority or freedom to make judgments and decisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Science

18%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discretionary power" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase that refers to the authority or freedom to make decisions. Ludwig AI validates that it's a usable phrase in written English. It is most frequently found in news, academic, and formal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the holder of the power is clearly defined. Alternatives such as "decision-making authority" or "freedom of choice" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase carries a neutral to formal tone and is essential for clearly communicating concepts of authority and decision-making in various professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Power of discretion

Reorders the words while maintaining the core meaning.

Authoritative discretion

Switches the adjective to the front of the phrase.

Decision-making authority

Focuses on the authority aspect, highlighting the right to make decisions.

Leeway in decision-making

Highlights the flexibility granted for the decision process.

Freedom of choice

Emphasizes the freedom to select among options.

Latitude in judgment

Highlights the scope for individual assessment and decision.

Room for maneuver

Suggests flexibility and the ability to adapt actions.

Personal prerogative

Focuses on the individual's right and privilege.

Ruling power

Highlights the control and governance aspect of power.

Scope of authority

Emphasizes the range and boundaries of the allowed actions.

FAQs

How is "discretionary power" typically used in a sentence?

In a sentence, "discretionary power" usually refers to the authority or freedom to make decisions or choices within certain boundaries. For example, "The manager was given "discretionary power" to approve expenses."

What are some alternatives to using "discretionary power"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "decision-making authority", "latitude in judgment", or "freedom of choice".

What is the difference between "discretion" and "discretionary power"?

"Discretion" generally refers to the quality of being careful and using good judgment, while "discretionary power" specifically means the authority or right to use one's judgment to make decisions.

In what context is "discretionary power" most appropriately used?

"Discretionary power" is most appropriately used in formal settings, such as legal, governmental, or organizational contexts, where someone is granted the authority to make decisions within certain guidelines.