exercise their autonomy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercise their autonomy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability of individuals or groups to make their own choices and decisions independently. Example: "In a democratic society, citizens should have the right to exercise their autonomy in making political choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It was not for him to dictate the meaning of a text (Kierkegaard's meanings are contradictory), but for his readers to exercise their autonomy in apprehending it.

The New Yorker

Many see assisted dying as an opportunity for individuals to avoid suffering and exercise their autonomy in the dying process.

Encyclopedia of Forensic and Legal Medicine

The fundamental nature of human rights is to allow individuals to exercise their autonomy, liberty and free will, insofar as it doesn't infringe upon the rights and liberties of others.

TechCrunch

The purpose of the informed consent process is to enable pregnant women to exercise their autonomy [ 31].

BMC Medical Ethics

When physicians feel restrained and unable to exercise their autonomy, they become defensive and remain passive in medical practice.

BMC Medical Ethics

Workers will be able to exercise their autonomy only if the processes leading to hazard identification and risk assessment are transparent and understandable.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

In a similar way, moral freedom is highly unlikely to produce a nation of individuals exercising their autonomy with the serious and dispassionate judgment of Immanuel Kant.

The New York Times - Magazine

When informed consent is valid, living donors can be viewed as exercising their autonomy and doctors can legitimately be viewed as helping both patient and donor.

The New York Times

Against such directives, however, some principals exercised their autonomy to do otherwise; using the allocated time for other activities.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

It is presumed that physicians are under pressure due to governmental regulation of the national healthcare system and have difficulty exercising their autonomy.

BMC Medical Ethics

This is because the issue of whether patients with anorexia nervosa who refuse treatment are exercising their autonomy is a contentious one.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about individuals or groups, ensure the context clearly defines the scope and limits of their autonomy. For example, specify whether they are "exercising their autonomy" in personal decisions, professional roles, or political choices.

Common error

Avoid implying that individuals have absolute autonomy. Acknowledge that external factors, regulations, or societal norms may influence or constrain their ability to "exercise their autonomy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise their autonomy" functions as a verb phrase, where "exercise" acts as the verb and "their autonomy" serves as the object. It describes the action of utilizing one's independent decision-making power. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exercise their autonomy" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes the act of individuals or groups making independent decisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely acceptable for use in written English. While versatile, the phrase often appears in scientific, news, and formal contexts, highlighting its relevance in discussions related to rights, ethics, and self-determination. Remember to consider contextual limitations and avoid implying unlimited autonomy when using this phrase. Alternatives such as "assert their independence" or "exert their self-determination" can provide nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assert their independence

Focuses on declaring and maintaining freedom from external control.

exert their self-determination

Emphasizes the power to decide one's own course of action without coercion.

enact their volition

Highlights the expression of their will or choice.

implement their agency

Focuses on the capacity to act or bring about a particular result.

effectuate their liberty

Emphasizes making their freedom a reality through action.

actualize their rights

Highlights realizing or bringing their entitlements into effect.

operationalize their discretion

Focuses on putting their freedom to decide into practice.

capitalize on their empowerment

Emphasizes leveraging their sense of control and authority.

activate their freedom of choice

Highlights initiating their freedom to select.

manifest their sovereignty

Focuses on demonstrating their supreme authority or power.

FAQs

How can I use "exercise their autonomy" in a sentence?

You can use "exercise their autonomy" to describe situations where individuals or groups make independent decisions or act according to their own will. For instance, "Patients should be allowed to "exercise their autonomy" in healthcare choices."

What are some alternatives to "exercise their autonomy"?

Alternatives include "assert their independence", "exert their self-determination", or "enact their volition", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "exercise their autonomy"?

While grammatically correct, consider the context. If the situation involves limitations on freedom, it might be more accurate to say they are "exercising limited autonomy" or "seeking to exercise their autonomy".

What factors might prevent someone from being able to "exercise their autonomy"?

Factors could include legal constraints, medical conditions, lack of information, or undue influence from others. When such factors are present, individuals might be unable to fully "exercise their autonomy".