is discretionary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is discretionary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is optional or left to one's judgment. Example: "The use of personal protective equipment is discretionary based on the risk assessment of the task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This decision is discretionary.

University of California, Berkeley

The imposition of an injunction is discretionary.

Harvard University

This financing is discretionary, meaning lawmakers can cut it.

The New York Times

"We recognize that for customers this is discretionary spending".

The New York Times - Sports

Being a consumer is discretionary; being a citizen isn't.

The New Yorker

Everything else is discretionary and should be charged as such".

The Guardian

Admission to Stanford Continuing Studies courses is discretionary.

Stanford University

"To a degree, Symmetrel is discretionary," one industry analyst said.

The New York Times

While each municipality has sanitation and building codes, enforcement is discretionary and selective.

The New York Times - Health

In particular, for many people, the timing of retirement is discretionary.

The New York Times

The remainder is discretionary, he said, and that "comes down to the frontline visitor services".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is discretionary", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what has the power of discretion. For example, "The bonus amount is discretionary, determined by the manager's assessment."

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "Payment is discretionary" without specifying who has the discretion to decide. Instead, be explicit: "Payment is discretionary, subject to the client's satisfaction with the delivered services."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is discretionary" functions as a predicative adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is not mandatory but rather subject to choice or judgment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is discretionary" is grammatically sound and frequently employed to convey that something is optional or subject to individual judgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate across numerous contexts, as it's demonstrated by its prevalence in news media and academic publications. When using "is discretionary", ensure that the context clarifies who holds the power of discretion, avoiding ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "is optional" or "is at one's discretion" to fine-tune the intended nuance. By minding these points, you can effectively leverage "is discretionary" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is optional

Direct synonym; indicates something is not required.

is not compulsory

Synonymous with 'not mandatory' but slightly more formal.

is not mandatory

Emphasizes the lack of obligation.

is voluntary

Highlights that participation is based on free will.

is at one's discretion

More formal; emphasizes individual control and judgment.

is a matter of choice

Focuses on the element of selection.

is permitted but not required

Clearly states both the possibility and lack of necessity.

is subject to approval

Indicates that while it is not mandatory, it needs acceptance from an authority.

is up to the individual

Highlights personal agency and decision-making.

is elective

Similar to 'optional' but often used in the context of academic choices.

FAQs

How can I use "is discretionary" in a sentence?

You can use "is discretionary" to indicate that something is optional or left to someone's judgment. For example, "The dress code for the event "is discretionary", allowing guests to choose between formal and semi-formal attire."

What are some alternatives to "is discretionary"?

Alternatives include "is optional", "is voluntary", or "is at one's discretion", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "is discretionary" or "is optional"?

Both "is discretionary" and "is optional" are correct, but "is discretionary" often implies that someone has the authority to make a decision, while "is optional" simply means it's not required. Therefore, is essential choosing based on the subtle nuances of context.

What does it mean when something "is discretionary"?

When something "is discretionary", it means it is not mandatory and is subject to individual choice or judgment. This implies that a decision or action can be taken based on particular circumstances or preferences.