exercise some discretion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercise some discretion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to make a judgment or decision based on their own judgment or understanding of a situation. Example: "In this case, I encourage you to exercise some discretion when deciding how to proceed with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Screeners, the T.S.A. has said, are expected to exercise some discretion.

The New York Times

But all presidents exercise some discretion in the course of carrying out their duties.

The Economist

In fact, the policy allows authorities to exercise some discretion, particularly in the case of convicted felons.

The Washington Post

You may exercise some discretion in determining the amount of a one-time supplemental payment depending on the complexity and length of the assignment.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Sheldon Goldman, a professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, said recent Republican judges had consistently nudged the law rightward in those cases where they could exercise some discretion.

The New York Times

We want work that is challenging and engaging, that enables us to exercise some discretion and control over what we do, and that provides us opportunities to learn and grow.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

In the past, the government might have exercised some discretion over Mr. Treuhaft's oversight.

The New York Times

Almost everyone who works in the government bureaucracy exercises some discretion that is unsupervised in the first instance.

Cornell University

For the first time in his bootlegger career, Olmstead started exercising some discretion about his words — but only some, because he still trusted that Fryant's wiretapping evidence would never withstand legal scrutiny.

The New Yorker

Conversely, if you don't have a genuine claim--you'll know that's the case if you can't conceive of why someone would pay you money except to avoid the press--exercise some discretion, and find yourself a new "get rich quick" scheme.

Huffington Post

Judges can exercise some limited discretion in applying these laws, but they normally show a stronger preference for shielding the state than for protecting the rights or interests of dissident citizens.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In situations where specific rules are lacking, empower individuals to "exercise some discretion" based on their judgment and experience.

Common error

Avoid stifling individual initiative by providing overly rigid guidelines. Encourage employees to "exercise some discretion" in novel situations, rather than blindly adhering to outdated rules.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise some discretion" functions as a directive or recommendation, advising someone to use their judgment and prudence in a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, emphasizing the importance of individual assessment when strict rules may not apply.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exercise some discretion" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that advises using one's judgment in decision-making. Ludwig AI validates its use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia and Science. While "exercise some discretion" is generally suitable for professional and neutral registers, it is important to consider the specific context and ensure the individual has sufficient information to make an informed decision. Alternatives such as "use your judgment" or "apply your discernment" may be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance. Encourage responsible and informed decision-making by empowering individuals to "exercise some discretion" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

use your judgment

This alternative is a more direct and informal way of saying to make decisions based on one's own assessment.

apply your discernment

This phrase suggests a more refined and perceptive level of judgment.

show prudence

This option emphasizes careful and wise decision-making, especially in practical affairs.

act judiciously

This suggests acting with sound judgment and wisdom in handling matters.

employ tact

This refers to using sensitivity and skill in dealing with others or with difficult issues.

use your own initiative

This puts more emphasis on independent decision-making without explicit instructions.

make a considered decision

This highlights the thoughtfulness and deliberation behind the decision-making process.

proceed with caution

This emphasizes carefulness and awareness of potential risks.

adopt a measured approach

This suggests a deliberate and carefully planned method of dealing with a situation.

think carefully

This is a general suggestion to be thoughtful before making a decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "exercise some discretion" to suggest someone use their judgment in a particular situation. For instance, "The TSA agents are expected to "exercise some discretion" when deciding which passengers to search further".

What does it mean to "exercise some discretion"?

"Exercise some discretion" means to use your own judgment or prudence in making decisions, especially when there are no specific rules or guidelines.

Are there situations where I shouldn't "exercise some discretion"?

Yes, in situations where there are strict protocols or legal requirements, you should follow the rules precisely rather than "exercise some discretion". For example, handling financial transactions usually requires strict adherence to rules.

What are some similar phrases to "exercise some discretion"?

Similar phrases include "use your judgment", "apply your discernment", or "show prudence". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.