exercise good judgment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'exercise good judgment' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to suggest that someone should think carefully before making a decision. For example, you can say: "When you are faced with a difficult situation, it's important to exercise good judgment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

In a memo, the firm instructed employees to "exercise good judgment" when determining proper dress.

The New York Times

This boils down to the need to operate strategically at all times; to exercise good judgment and to act as trusted advisers across the business.

The Guardian

As it was, all the Sri Lankan left-handers – Paranavitana, Thirimanne and Sangakkara – were able to exercise good judgment outside off stump.

The Guardian - Sport

Today's peers still need to exercise good judgment about the occasions when it is politically legitimate to strike and when to hold off, especially when elected MPs have already voted for the government's fiscal plans.

The Guardian - Opinion

By contrast, in Australia, the answer is provided almost completely by the extent to which political leaders are willing to exercise good judgment and self-restraint in the enactment of new laws.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This incident took place because some employees did not exercise good judgment or review their proposal with our privacy team," Jonathan F. Miller, the chief executive, wrote in an e-mail message to employees released yesterday afternoon.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Although he is both relativistic and sceptical, he manages also to be every inch a moralist: a thinker concerned with ways of living well, and exercising good judgment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Gabbard, an Iraq war veteran, said her decision was motivated by the need to have a commander-in-chief "who has foresight, who exercises good judgment".

The Guardian

Even if you believe that the jury verdict in his case was correct, can anyone seriously argue that he exercised good judgment in confronting Trayvon Martin?

The Guardian - Opinion

"We believe that our board is independent and has exercised good judgment in the decisions it has made, including the stock option plan that I.S.S. disagrees with," said Ron Slaymaker, the company's vice president for investor relations.

The New York Times

Foreign policy exactly suits Obama's strong points as a leader, which turn out not to be giving the masses a clear sense of direction and hope, but instead exercising good judgment on a case-by-case basis while thinking many steps ahead of the present moment.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When faced with ambiguous situations, actively seek diverse perspectives to inform your judgment. This proactive approach ensures a well-rounded understanding before making critical decisions.

Common error

Avoid making hasty judgments based on incomplete information. Always strive to gather sufficient data and consider all available evidence before "exercise good judgment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise good judgment" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "exercise" acts as the verb indicating the action of applying or using good judgment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suggests using it when suggesting someone think carefully before deciding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “exercise good judgment” is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that advises thoughtful and responsible decision-making. As Ludwig AI indicates, it encourages careful consideration of facts and consequences. It appears frequently in news and media, business, and scientific contexts, making it suitable for a variety of situations. To enhance your writing, consider using it to emphasize the importance of prudence and informed choices. Remember to seek diverse perspectives and avoid making assumptions based on incomplete information. Alternatives such as "demonstrate sound judgment", "show good sense", and "use discretion" can provide nuanced variations depending on your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrate sound judgment

Substitutes "exercise" with "demonstrate" and "good" with "sound", focusing on showing evidence of judgment quality.

show good sense

Replaces "exercise good judgment" with a more concise and informal expression, emphasizing the display of practical intelligence.

use discretion

Offers a shorter, more direct way to convey the need for careful decision-making and prudence.

act wisely

Focuses on the outcome of good judgment, emphasizing the wisdom applied in actions.

make judicious decisions

Highlights the act of making decisions, specifying that they should be well-considered and appropriate.

apply thoughtful consideration

Emphasizes the process of thinking deeply and carefully before making a decision.

be prudent

A concise way of saying someone should be careful and avoid risks.

exercise common sense

Highlights the use of practical intelligence and basic reasoning in decision-making.

think carefully

A broader phrase emphasizing the need for thorough consideration without explicitly mentioning judgment.

weigh the options

Highlights the process of carefully evaluating different possibilities before making a choice.

FAQs

How can I improve my ability to "exercise good judgment"?

Improving your ability to "exercise good judgment" involves cultivating critical thinking, seeking diverse perspectives, and reflecting on past decisions to learn from both successes and mistakes.

What does it mean to "exercise good judgment" in a professional setting?

In a professional context, to "exercise good judgment" means making well-reasoned decisions that align with ethical standards, company policies, and strategic goals, while also considering the potential impact on stakeholders.

When is it most important to "exercise good judgment"?

It's crucial to "exercise good judgment" during times of crisis, uncertainty, or high-stakes decisions, as the outcomes of these situations can have significant consequences. Remember to "use discretion".

What are some alternatives to "exercise good judgment"?

Alternatives to "exercise good judgment" include "demonstrate sound judgment", "show good sense", or "use discretion". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.