entitled to decide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'entitled to decide' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when you want to express that someone has the right or authority to make a choice. For example: "The executive team is entitled to decide which company to invest in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Fox viewers are officially entitled to decide their own facts.

The New York Times

Her opponents wondered why on earth she thought she was entitled to decide which was which.

The New Yorker

In this situation each individual is entitled to decide which risk to run.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ministers are, of course, entitled to decide what sentences should be available to the courts.

The Economist

Ordinarily, each justice may be entitled to decide his own impartiality.

The New York Times

But the company did not retreat from its position that it is entitled to decide what messages to transmit.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Emma Lunn has some advice on how to get your finances in order, while Rin Hamburgh examines what you're entitled to if you decide to take maternity leave Career cares?

The Guardian - Money

Though the case was originally filed in state court in Brooklyn, it was moved to a federal court under legal rules that say federal law enforcement agents are entitled to have federal judges decide whether they acted reasonably.

The New York Times

That interpretation appears to operate at every stage in the legal reasoning process may also have influenced Dworkin's denial that there are gaps in the law, and his counter-claim, contra Hart and Raz, that everything which a judge is entitled to rely on in deciding a case is already part of the law (see Dworkin 1986).

SEP

A main reason is that in a properly run welfare state, benefits are nearly universal, which eliminates vast amounts of administrative overhead necessary to decide who is entitled to benefits and who isn't, as is the case in America, and eliminates the disincentives to work resulting from benefit phase-outs.

The New York Times

We should also look at drawing up different rules based on, for instance, length of residence, citizenship or national insurance contributions which carry more weight in a transparent points system used to decide who is entitled to access social housing.There are a small number of confirmed refugees who, of course, would receive the same entitlements as British citizens.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "entitled to decide" when you want to emphasize that someone has a legitimate claim or recognized right to make a particular decision. Consider the context to ensure the tone aligns with the sense of authority or permission being conveyed.

Common error

Avoid using "entitled to decide" when the decision infringes upon the rights or well-being of others, even if there's a perceived right. True entitlement respects boundaries and ethical considerations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entitled to decide" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing a noun or pronoun with the attribute of having the right or authorization to make a decision. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "entitled to decide" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that someone possesses the right or authority to make a particular decision. According to Ludwig, it appears most frequently in news and media, science, and encyclopedia contexts. While generally neutral to professional, careful consideration of the context ensures appropriate usage, respecting the scope of the entitlement. Alternatives include "have the authority to determine" and "have the right to determine".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have the right to determine

This alternative highlights the moral or legal basis for making a decision, emphasizing entitlement by right.

are in a position to rule

This focuses on the structural or hierarchical ability to make a decision, particularly in an official capacity.

have the authority to determine

This alternative focuses on formal power and the legitimacy of the decision-making process, rather than a sense of inherent right.

are justified in determining

Focuses on the reasoning or justification behind making a determination, rather than the inherent right.

are authorized to choose

This emphasizes the permission or empowerment granted by a higher authority to make a choice.

may rightly resolve

This emphasizes the correctness or moral appropriateness of resolving something, suggesting a just outcome.

are empowered to resolve

This suggests that the person or group has been given the power or capacity to resolve an issue, implying a problem-solving focus.

have the discretion to judge

This emphasizes the freedom to make a decision based on one's own judgment and assessment of the situation.

are at liberty to conclude

This suggests freedom from constraint in reaching a conclusion, focusing on the lack of external pressure.

possess the prerogative to adjudicate

This alternative implies a formal and exclusive right to make a judgment or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "entitled to decide" in a sentence?

You can use "entitled to decide" to show that someone has the right or authority to make a decision. For example: "The board of directors is "entitled to decide" the company's strategic direction."

What are some alternatives to "entitled to decide"?

Alternatives include "have the authority to determine", "have the right to determine", or "are authorized to choose", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "entitled to decide" something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It indicates that a person or entity has a legitimate right or permission to make a specific decision.

In what contexts is "entitled to decide" most appropriately used?

"Entitled to decide" is typically used in contexts where authority, rights, or permissions are being discussed, such as legal matters, organizational structures, or ethical considerations.