extensive discretion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extensive discretion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant amount of freedom or authority to make decisions in a particular context. Example: "The manager has extensive discretion in determining employee bonuses based on performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Second, even apart from this, there remains extensive discretion in the hands of legislatures to set public law and policy in the first place.

SEP

The executive branch has extensive discretion in the enforcement of immigration law, but a decision against the administration could severely limit the president's ability to act broadly in such matters.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It will have broad discretion to set ethics rules, such as conflict-of-interest standards for accountants auditing public companies, and assign extensive disciplinary powers to enforce them.

The New York Times

The composer intended it to be accompanied by a complex lighting scheme, here realised with bravura by Lucy Carter, while Igor Levit supplied an ideal blend of flamboyance and discretion in his extensive piano obbligato.

The Guardian - Music

We selected only clinically available drugs as alginate-based treatments because surgeons can prepare this new antiadhesive material at their discretion as needed during surgery, and extensive studies of the safety of these drugs have already been performed.

BioMed Research International

Wide support and extensive court precedence exists to back a doctor's discretion to call in CPS.

Huffington Post

If consensus cannot be reached after extensive discussion, a vote will be permitted at the discretion of the Chair.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

In terms of our academic mission and values, all of us in higher education should be especially wary of contracts that reserve final editorial discretion to an outside corporation, or that require extensive delays in publication.

Science Magazine

Some discretion?

The New York Times

Discretion means more MOPPS.

The New Yorker

Discretion is everything".

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extensive discretion", ensure the context clearly defines the scope and limits of that discretion. Providing specific examples or guidelines can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "extensive discretion" when the actual decision-making power is limited or constrained by regulations or oversight. Using a less emphatic term like "some discretion" might be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extensive discretion" functions as a noun phrase, where "extensive" modifies the noun "discretion". It suggests a considerable degree of latitude or freedom in decision-making. This is consistent with Ludwig's analysis, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "extensive discretion" denotes a substantial amount of decision-making power or freedom. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and, although not very common, it is perfectly acceptable for use. Its usage spans various contexts including news, academia, and science, indicating its versatility. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; it is crucial to delineate the scope and limitations of the discretion being granted. Consider alternatives such as "wide latitude" or "broad authority" depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wide discretion

Using "wide" instead of "extensive" offers a simpler, more direct alternative with similar meaning.

ample discretion

Replacing "extensive" with "ample" maintains a similar degree of freedom or power.

wide latitude

This alternative uses "latitude" to emphasize the freedom of action or choice.

considerable freedom

This alternative highlights the aspect of being free to make choices.

broad authority

This alternative replaces "discretion" with "authority", implying a formal power or right.

significant leeway

This alternative stresses the flexibility and room for maneuver.

substantial autonomy

This alternative emphasizes the independence and self-governance in decision-making.

sizeable discernment

This alternative uses "discernment" suggesting a keen ability to judge well which is a component of discretion, and "sizeable" for "extensive".

expansive liberty

This alternative employs "liberty" to focus on the freedom aspect, making it slightly less formal.

major prerogative

Here "prerogative" replaces discretion, suggesting an exclusive right or privilege.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The CEO has "extensive discretion" in allocating the company's resources" or "The judge exercises "extensive discretion" when sentencing offenders".

What's a good alternative to "extensive discretion"?

Consider using phrases like "wide latitude", "broad authority", or "considerable freedom" as alternatives to "extensive discretion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "extensive discretion" formal or informal?

The phrase "extensive discretion" is suitable for formal and professional contexts. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "a lot of discretion" might be more appropriate.

What does "extensive discretion" actually mean?

"Extensive discretion" refers to having a significant amount of freedom and authority to make decisions, often without specific rules or guidelines constraining those choices. It implies a broad scope of judgment and decision-making power.