has the final say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has the final say" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used when referring to someone who makes the definitive decision or who has the authority to make the final call in a situation. For example, "In this family, the mother has the final say on all decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Quirky's staff has the final say.

The New York Times

He has the final say.

The New York Times

She always has the final say.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But history has the final say.

The New York Times - Books

The owner has the final say".

The Guardian - Sport

The attorney general has the final say.

The New York Times

But Congress has the final say.

The New York Times

The pope has the final say on the punishment.

The New York Times

Congress already has the final say over the budget.

The Economist

Parliament has the final say on troop deployments abroad.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Zagunis, it would appear, has the final say-so.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has the final say", ensure the context clearly indicates the scope and limitations of that authority. Be specific about what aspects of a situation the person or entity has control over.

Common error

Avoid using "has the final say" when the authority is actually shared or subject to review. Instead, clarify the extent of the decision-making power to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has the final say" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that a person or entity possesses the authority to make the ultimate decision. According to Ludwig, this is a correct and usable phrase. This function aligns with numerous examples where different entities, from individuals to institutions, are identified as having decision-making control.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

16%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has the final say" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that identifies the person or entity with the authority to make the ultimate decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts and audiences. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources, followed by academic and general-knowledge contexts. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the scope and limits of the authority to prevent ambiguity and maintain accuracy. Alternative phrases like "makes the ultimate decision" or "holds the deciding vote" can be used to add nuance or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has the last word

Similar to the original phrase but emphasizes the verbal aspect of making the final decision.

makes the ultimate decision

Emphasizes the decisiveness of the action, focusing on the result.

makes the call

An idiomatic expression indicating the act of making an important decision.

determines the outcome

Focuses on the impact of the decision on the final result.

holds the deciding vote

Highlights the voting aspect of decision-making, suitable for scenarios involving formal votes.

is the ultimate authority

Stresses the level of power and control inherent in the role.

settles the matter

Implies closure and resolution of a discussion or debate.

calls the shots

An informal idiom expressing control and direction.

bears ultimate responsibility

Emphasizes the accountability aspect of making a final decision.

is in charge

A general term indicating responsibility and control.

FAQs

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

Use "has the final say" to indicate who makes the ultimate decision in a particular situation. For instance, "The CEO "has the final say" on all major investments".

What's a more formal alternative to "has the final say"?

A more formal alternative could be "possesses ultimate authority" or "retains the power of final approval". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it correct to say "have the final say" instead of "has the final say"?

Yes, but the correct form depends on the subject. Use "have the final say" for plural subjects (e.g., "The board members have the final say") and "has the final say" for singular subjects (e.g., "The president has the final say").

Which is correct, "has a final say" or "has the final say"?

"Has the final say" is the correct and idiomatic phrasing. "Has a final say" is grammatically incorrect and doesn't convey the intended meaning of ultimate decision-making power.