in the discretion of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the discretion of" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to indicate that a decision or action is left to somebody's discretion or judgment. For example, "In the discretion of the board, the decision was made to hire a new CEO for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As a result, young people have lost faith in the discretion of peers.

The Guardian

5-6 ("Our procedures are very limiting in the discretion of the officials").

Cornell University

Approvals or denials of applications under this section are in the discretion of the University.

Stanford University

The exact requirements for a senior thesis are in the discretion of the supervising faculty member.

Stanford University

Over time, however, institutional leaders and governance boards often seek to reign in the discretion of decision makers in adhocracies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That includes, "in the discretion of H.P.D., by a direct designation of an entity judged by H.P.D. to be suitable for the task" — essentially, whomever the agency wants.

The New York Times

Thereafter that plea may not be made except in the discretion of the trial judge, and his refusal to accept it is 'not revisable' on appeal.

Cornell University

17(c), evidentiary matter may be obtained pursuant to subpoena in advance of trial in the discretion of the trial judge.

Cornell University

The period of the study may, in the discretion of the court, be extended for an additional period of not more than sixty days.

Cornell University

In subsection (b), the words "The Secretary concerned may defer" are substituted for the words "may, in the discretion of the Secretary, be deferred".

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

* * * The local laws and ordinances may be left in force, and in general should be, subject however to their being in whole or in part suspended and others substituted in their stead—in the discretion of the governing authority.' Winthrop, op.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the discretion of", clearly identify the individual or entity who possesses the discretionary power to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "in the discretion of" without specifying who has the discretion. Always clarify who is making the decision to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the discretion of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating that a decision or action is subject to someone's judgment or authority. Ludwig AI confirms this use through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

54%

News & Media

25%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the discretion of" serves to indicate that a decision rests on someone's judgment, a concept validated by Ludwig. It is most frequently encountered in academic texts and news articles, lending itself to formal and often scientific contexts. Ludwig AI underscores the correctness of this phrase, a finding supported by its prevalence across authoritative sources like Cornell University and The New York Times. When employing this phrase, remember to clearly specify who holds the discretionary power to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "at the "liberty of"" or "as determined by" can be used depending on the specific context. It's a very common phrase, so make sure you fully understand its nuances to leverage it fully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as determined by

Emphasizes the act of making a definitive conclusion or decision.

at the option of

Highlights that a choice is available to someone.

depending on the decision of

Indicates reliance on a decision made by someone else.

at the liberty of

Emphasizes freedom and choice in acting.

as deemed appropriate by

Focuses on the suitability and relevance of an action or decision by someone.

subject to the judgment of

Focuses on the evaluation and decision-making capacity of an individual.

as one sees fit

Stresses the personal suitability and preference in making choices.

conditional on the approval of

Highlights the requirement of acceptance or agreement from someone.

upon the authorization of

Emphasizes the act of granting permission or approval.

at one's own pleasure

Signifies that something is done according to one's desires or inclinations.

FAQs

How can I use "in the discretion of" in a sentence?

Use "in the discretion of" to indicate that someone has the power to make a decision based on their own judgment, such as "The bonus amount is determined "as deemed appropriate by" the manager".

What are some alternatives to "in the discretion of"?

You can use phrases like "at the "liberty of"", "subject to the "judgment of"", or "as determined by" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "at the discretion of" or "in the discretion of"?

While both phrases are acceptable, "in the discretion of" is more common in formal writing, especially in legal and official contexts. "At the discretion of" is also valid but might sound slightly less formal.

Can "in the discretion of" lead to ambiguity?

Yes, if the subject who possesses the discretion is not clearly defined. To avoid ambiguity, always specify who has the discretionary power, such as "as determined by the CEO" or "in the discretion of the board of directors".