exercise discretion

USAGE SUMMARY

"exercise discretion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that someone should consider the options carefully before deciding on a course of action. For example, "When it comes to personnel decisions, it is important to exercise discretion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even insiders, however, exercise discretion.

The New York Times - Magazine

There is evidence that many hospitals exercise discretion.

Independent

The bartenders exercise discretion in serving customers who they feel have had enough to drink.

The New Yorker

Because of the action, "parents do need to exercise discretion," Mr. Eisenberg said.

The New York Times

"My expectation is the tax collector will exercise discretion once the vehicle is towed," he said.

The New York Times

The secretary could not lawfully exercise discretion before learning the results of the recount.

The New York Times

They seem clearly to fall into the category that requires the Home Office to exercise discretion".

Independent

"It seems to me with professional responsibility comes a duty to exercise discretion," he said.

The New York Times

"If somebody tells you how to exercise discretion," he said, "you don't have discretion".

The New York Times

The administration's argument is that other presidents have also sought to exercise discretion in the application of immigration rules.

The Guardian

But if they would live "discreetly", a fourth question must be asked: why will they exercise "discretion"?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exercise discretion", ensure the context clearly indicates who is exercising the discretion and what factors they should consider.

Common error

Avoid implying that "exercise discretion" means ignoring rules or laws. It should be used to indicate making thoughtful judgments within established boundaries, not exceeding them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise discretion" functions as a verb phrase where "exercise" (verb) takes "discretion" (noun) as its object. It describes the action of utilizing one's judgment and authority to make decisions based on circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to suggest careful consideration before acting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exercise discretion" is a common and grammatically correct expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It signifies the act of using one's judgment and authority to make decisions tailored to specific circumstances. Predominantly found in news and media, with significant usage in scientific and formal business contexts, the phrase conveys a sense of autonomy and responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is typically employed to advise or authorize individuals to utilize their judgment, emphasizing the need for careful consideration rather than rigid adherence to rules. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding who is exercising discretion and the factors influencing their judgment. Remember, exercising discretion does not mean ignoring rules, but thoughtfully applying them.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a considered decision

This emphasizes that the decision was not made lightly, but with thoughtful evaluation.

act judiciously

This focuses on acting in a wise, fair, and careful manner.

use one's judgment

This alternative focuses on the act of using one's personal assessment and decision-making skills.

demonstrate good sense

This highlights the display of practical intelligence and sound judgment.

use careful consideration

This phrase stresses thoughtfulness and attention to detail in decision-making.

apply prudence

This alternative emphasizes careful and cautious decision-making to avoid risks.

apply wisdom

This alternative centers on using knowledge and experience to make sound decisions.

show restraint

This highlights the act of holding back or controlling one's actions or words.

act with circumspection

This emphasizes careful consideration of all circumstances before taking action.

employ tact

This emphasizes skill and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues.

FAQs

How can I use "exercise discretion" in a sentence?

You can use "exercise discretion" when describing a situation where someone needs to make a judgment based on the circumstances, like: "The officer was instructed to "exercise discretion" when deciding whether to issue a warning or a ticket."

What are some alternatives to "exercise discretion"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "use one's judgment", "apply prudence", or "act judiciously" as alternatives to "exercise discretion".

What does it mean to "exercise discretion"?

To "exercise discretion" means to use your own judgment and make decisions based on the particular circumstances of a situation, rather than rigidly following a set of rules.

In what situations is it appropriate to "exercise discretion"?

It's appropriate to "exercise discretion" in situations where rules may not perfectly apply or when unforeseen circumstances require a nuanced decision. This often occurs in law enforcement, customer service, and management.