has broad latitude

USAGE SUMMARY

"has broad latitude" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone has a wide range of choices available to them. For example, "The sales executive has broad latitude in how she structures her promotional campaigns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Officials have said it does not appear as if Clinton discussed classified matters over email, and the secretary of state has broad latitude to decide what is classified.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Pro forma earnings have been widely criticized because companies have had broad latitude to define them as they see fit.

The New York Times

But lawyers say that the authorities have broad latitude and that once officials decide to bring charges, they have an undefined "reasonable amount of time" to draft them.

The New York Times

Under the collective bargaining agreement, teams have broad latitude to set their own rules in areas on issues like curfews, dress codes and workout regimens.

The New York Times - Sports

Generally, thanks to what's known as the business judgment rule, boards have broad latitude in making, amending and rescinding house rules — the good, the bad and the decidedly wiggy.

The New York Times

Finally, even where the rules are relatively clear, the delegates at the convention have broad latitude to change them if they don't like the result that they are producing.

The New York Times

Intended as laboratories for educational innovation, they have broad latitude in many of their operations, and the authorities are often unclear or in disagreement about the extent of their oversight powers.

The New York Times

When the case is assigned to a new court, the judge will have broad latitude and can send the case back to prosecutors for further investigation and new evidence, or even amend the charges.

The New York Times

As long as you do not impair anyone's ability to get work done, place your employer in legal peril or thwart legitimate efforts at computer security, you should have broad latitude as to how you use your workplace computer and how you — inadvertently — do not.

The New York Times - Magazine

Michael Horowitz, who was general counsel for President Ronald Reagan's budget office during a brief government shutdown, said the White House would have broad latitude to decide which workers were considered essential, which agencies to close entirely and how chaotic the closings would be.

The New York Times

Central banks have broad latitude to create base money.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has broad latitude", ensure the context clearly defines who or what is granting the latitude. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity about the source of the freedom.

Common error

Avoid implying that the latitude is self-derived when it is actually granted by an external authority. Always make it clear if the latitude comes from a policy, regulation, or another person.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has broad latitude" functions as a predicate, describing the extent of freedom or discretion held by a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase, conveying that someone or something possesses significant flexibility within a defined scope. Examples show its use in describing the powers of officials, teams, or organizations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has broad latitude" is a commonly used phrase that effectively conveys the idea of possessing significant freedom or discretion within specific boundaries. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts, it denotes a professional to neutral register. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the source of the latitude is key. Alternatives such as "has considerable discretion" or "has significant leeway" can be used to vary the language while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has considerable discretion

Emphasizes the power of making judgments, not necessarily actions.

has significant leeway

Focuses on flexibility, especially when facing constraints.

has wide scope

Implies an extensive range or area of activity or influence.

has extensive powers

Highlights the authority to perform specific actions.

possesses great flexibility

Stresses the adaptability and ease of modification.

is granted substantial freedom

Highlights that freedom is given by another entity.

is given considerable autonomy

Emphasizes independence and self-governance.

enjoys a free hand

Suggests unrestricted authority to act as one chooses.

has room to maneuver

Implies the capacity to change plans or tactics as needed.

operates with few restrictions

Focuses on the lack of constraints in carrying out tasks.

FAQs

How can I use "has broad latitude" in a sentence?

Use "has broad latitude" to indicate that someone or something possesses significant freedom or discretion within certain boundaries. For example, "The project manager "has broad latitude" in allocating resources".

What are some alternatives to "has broad latitude"?

You can use alternatives like "has considerable discretion", "has significant leeway", or "is granted substantial freedom" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "has broad latitude" or "has wide latitude"?

Both "broad" and "wide" can be used to describe latitude, but "broad" often implies a more encompassing or extensive range of freedom. The choice depends on the specific context and the degree of freedom you wish to emphasize. "Has wide latitude" is also correct and might be the best choice depending on the register.

What does it mean when someone "has broad latitude"?

It means they have considerable freedom and discretion to make decisions or take actions within a defined scope. It suggests a lack of strict constraints and the ability to adapt to different situations.