final say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "final say" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has the ultimate authority or decision-making power in a situation. Example: "In our meetings, the manager always has the final say on project decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Health

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Heckert has "final say" authority written into his contract.

The New York Times - Sports

Final say on own 1 if mother has final say on own health health care care; 0 otherwise.

Health Economics Review

The president has final say.

The New York Times

But they will have the final say.

The Economist

Congress will have the final say.

The New York Times

Will their doubters have the final say?

The New York Times

Regulators will have the final say.

The New York Times

The fans would have the final say.

The New York Times - Sports

Quirky's staff has the final say.

The New York Times

Mr Hatoyama will have the final say.

The Economist

"I will have the final say".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider whether a more precise term like "ultimate decision" or "power of veto" might be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

Common error

Avoid assuming someone has the "final say" without clear evidence. Misrepresenting authority can lead to misunderstandings and conflict.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "final say" functions as a noun phrase that typically denotes the authority to make a conclusive decision. It indicates that someone has the ultimate power to determine an outcome, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "final say" is a common and straightforward way to indicate that someone possesses the ultimate authority in a decision-making process. As Ludwig AI verifies, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "last word" or "ultimate decision" exist, "final say" offers a clear and accessible way to convey this concept. Remember to use the phrase accurately, ensuring that you are not misattributing authority where it doesn't rightfully belong.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last word

This phrase emphasizes the conclusion of a discussion or argument, where one person's statement is definitive.

ultimate decision

Focuses on the conclusive act of choosing among options, highlighting the power to determine the outcome.

deciding vote

Emphasizes the act of breaking a tie or having the deciding influence in a collective decision.

power of veto

Highlights the ability to reject or prevent a decision, implying a strong form of control.

controlling voice

Indicates significant influence over a decision-making process, where one person's opinion carries more weight.

the last call

Suggests the authority to make a final determination, often in time-sensitive situations.

definitive judgment

Implies a formal and authoritative resolution or ruling on a matter.

the buck stops here

Idiomatic expression that indicates acceptance of ultimate responsibility and decision-making authority.

having the casting vote

Similar to "deciding vote", highlighting the ability to resolve a tie or deadlock.

trump card

Signifies possessing an advantage or resource that ensures a favorable outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "final say" in a sentence?

You can use "final say" to indicate that someone has the ultimate authority to make a decision. For example, "The CEO has the "final say" on all major investments."

What's a synonym for "final say"?

Synonyms for "final say" include "last word", "ultimate decision", and "deciding vote", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "final say" in formal writing?

Yes, "final say" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider more precise alternatives like "ultimate authority" or "power of veto" for greater clarity.

Who typically has the "final say" in a company?

The person with the "final say" varies depending on the company structure and the specific decision. It could be the CEO, the board of directors, or a specific manager with relevant expertise.