full discretion

USAGE SUMMARY

"full discretion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking or writing about someone being granted permission to make decisions without supervision or being allowed to keep something confidential. For example: "The lawyer gave her client full discretion to make decisions about their case without consulting her first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And before him President Giscard d'Estaing had also mistresses and full discretion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Griffin has full discretion over how much money he uses to subsidize his struggling funds.

The New York Times

Delegation sets no longer trade off pooling intervals and intervals of full discretion but instead take more complex shapes.

Journal of Economic Theory

(1) To what extent should the central bank be constrained, versus being allowed full discretion?

Harvard University

The JP and theses readers have full discretion in the assignment of final grades.

Princeton University

And prison officials have almost full discretion in issuing disciplinary infractions and sending inmates to solitary confinement.

The Washington Post

Investing money into banks that retain full discretion as to what they would do with it doesn't seem right.

The New York Times

"President Roh gave prosecutors full discretion so that they were even able to investigate wrongdoing by his closest aides," Mr. Kim said.

The New York Times

The companies would have full discretion to set prices on their over-the-counter drugs, just as they set prices on prescription drugs.

The New York Times

A state judge, clarifying an order he issued Monday, returned full discretion over the medical care of a 13-year-old cancer patient to her parents.

The New York Times

"Beyond that, the school district has full discretion as to how those programs will be modified," said Mr. Pastore, the federal monitor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "full discretion", ensure the context clearly defines the scope and limitations (if any) of the granted authority to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "full discretion" implies absolute power without limits; clarify the specific areas or situations where this discretion applies to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full discretion" functions as a noun phrase, typically modifying a verb to indicate the extent of authority or freedom granted to someone. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from legal matters to everyday decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

26%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "full discretion" is a frequently used phrase signifying complete freedom and authority in decision-making. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across diverse contexts, notably in news, academic, and scientific domains. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the scope of authority is crucial to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives like ""complete authority"" or ""absolute autonomy"" can be considered based on specific nuances. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively communicate the intended level of autonomy with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carte blanche

This emphasizes the unlimited authority to act entirely at one's own discretion.

blank check

This implies unconditional approval and authorization to act as one sees fit.

absolute autonomy

This highlights the independence and self-governance aspect of having full control.

complete authority

This alternative emphasizes the comprehensive scope of power and decision-making ability.

total latitude

This suggests a wide range of permissible actions and decisions.

free rein

This suggests unrestricted freedom to manage or control a situation or entity.

unrestricted freedom

This focuses on the lack of limitations or constraints in exercising one's power or choice.

untrammeled power

This underscores the unhindered and unrestricted nature of the authority.

full command

This denotes complete control and management over something.

ultimate say

This highlights the final and decisive authority in decision-making.

FAQs

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

You can use "full discretion" to indicate that someone has the authority to make decisions without needing approval. For example, "The manager was given "full discretion" over hiring decisions."

What are some alternatives to "full discretion"?

Alternatives to "full discretion" include "complete authority", "absolute autonomy", or "carte blanche" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "has full discretion"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "has full discretion". For example, "The CEO has "full discretion" to allocate the company's resources."

What's the difference between "full discretion" and "full authority"?

"Full discretion" emphasizes the freedom to make judgments and decisions, while "full authority" highlights the power and right to enforce those decisions. Although these terms are similar, "full authority" might imply less freedom in how the power is exerted.