exercising their autonomy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercising their autonomy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a group of people using their independence and freedom to make their own decisions. For example, "After two years of living under their parents' roof, the siblings were now exercising their autonomy and making their own decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Their experience has been less about exercising their autonomy and more about just coping.

The Times

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

So it is neither related to Blue-collar workers who are the majority of Afghanistan population nor to rich people who are enjoying exercising their autonomy.

HuffPost

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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

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

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

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In discussions about personal development or empowerment, using "exercising their autonomy" can highlight an individual's ability to control their life and choices.

Common error

Avoid using "exercising their autonomy" in contexts where collaboration or interdependence is crucial. Overemphasizing individual autonomy can undermine the importance of teamwork or community support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercising their autonomy" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the action of utilizing one's independence and freedom to make decisions, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples related to medical ethics and individual rights.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exercising their autonomy" is a grammatically correct and meaningful expression that highlights the act of individuals or groups making independent choices. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used in scientific and news contexts, reflecting its importance in discussions related to rights, ethics, and self-determination. While there are many alternatives, such as "asserting their independence" or "making their own choices", the specific nuance depends on the context. Remember to use this phrase appropriately, avoiding overemphasis on individualism when collaboration is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making their own choices

A simpler way of expressing the act of independent decision-making.

asserting their independence

Focuses on the declaration of independence, emphasizing a firm stance.

acting independently

Highlights the independent nature of the action taken.

enacting their self-governance

Highlights the aspect of governance and control over oneself or a group.

implementing their self-determination

Implies a more active and deliberate application of their right to choose.

applying their discretion

Emphasizes the use of careful judgment and thoughtful decision-making.

wielding their authority

Suggests a formal or recognized power being actively used.

realizing their agency

Highlights the capacity to act independently and make free choices.

effectuating their volition

Refers to the act of putting their will or desire into action.

carrying out their wishes

Focuses on fulfilling personal desires or instructions.

FAQs

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

You can use "exercising their autonomy" to describe situations where individuals are making independent decisions. For example, "Patients "exercising their autonomy" have the right to refuse medical treatment."

What are some alternatives to "exercising their autonomy"?

Alternatives include "asserting their independence", "implementing their self-determination", or "making their own choices", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is it most appropriate to use the phrase "exercising their autonomy"?

This phrase is particularly fitting in contexts discussing rights, ethical considerations, or situations where individual agency and decision-making are central, such as medical ethics, personal freedoms, or self-governance discussions.

Is "exercising their autonomy" formal or informal language?

"Exercising their autonomy" is generally considered neutral to formal language, suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts. More informal alternatives might include "doing what they want" or "making their own decisions".