judgement call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "judgement call" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to mean a decision or opinion that is based on previous experience or intuition rather than on facts or evidence. For example: "Making a decision on whether to start a business is a judgement call that could have numerous risks and rewards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"A judgement call has to happen.

The Guardian - Tech

If it comes to a judgement call, the king milksnake will lose.

The Guardian

I fully accept now that this was a bad judgement call.

Independent

This requires a judgement call on whether this is overselling or a useful way of re-establishing contact.

The Guardian

This turned out to be good judgement call as I had been rendered a sobbing mess by page three!

The Guardian

On the Mentawai Islands, our team will carry out continual assessments make the judgement call as to whether any further back-up is needed.

The Guardian

Suggestions included "continuous agreement", "initiation and enthusiasm about what is taking place" and "being of sound and sober enough mind to make a judgement call".

The Guardian

Deciding whether each change is done to discriminate against competitors, or to improve search results, will often be no more than a judgement call.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is one of those judgement calls that are sometimes right, sometimes wrong.

The Guardian

Video replay remains off-limits for judgement calls, such as penalties or offside.

Independent

But those are decisions that we all face IRL, judgement calls which are the base of friendships.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "judgement call", ensure the context clearly indicates who is making the judgement and the basis for their decision. Providing context enhances clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "judgement call" as a substitute for concrete reasoning. Always provide some rationale, even if it's brief, to support the decision, rather than simply stating that it was a "judgement call".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "judgement call" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a situation where a decision requires subjective assessment and interpretation, relying on personal expertise or prior experience, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "judgement call" is a common noun phrase that signifies a decision based on subjective assessment and individual expertise. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and general discussions. While it's a useful term to describe decisions lacking clear-cut rules, it's important to provide context and justification when using it, avoiding the impression of arbitrary decision-making. Alternatives like "subjective assessment" or "expert judgment" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expert judgment

Highlights the reliance on a professional's specialized knowledge.

professional opinion

Highlights that the decision is based on someone's experience, knowledge or expertise.

considered opinion

Indicates that the decision was carefully thought out and evaluated.

subjective assessment

Emphasizes the personal and opinion-based nature of the evaluation.

clinical assessment

Highlights that the decision is a professional's diagnostic evaluation.

personal evaluation

Highlights the individual's appraisal as the basis for the decision.

independent determination

Focuses on the decision being made autonomously, without external influence.

discretionary decision

Focuses on the freedom of choice and authority in making the decision.

qualitative assessment

Stresses the use of non-numerical factors in the decision-making process.

educated guess

Suggests that the decision is based on limited information and some level of uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "judgement call" in a sentence?

You can use "judgement call" to describe a decision that requires someone to assess a situation and make a determination based on their expertise or experience. For instance, "The umpire's decision was a "judgement call", as the play was very close".

What are some alternatives to "judgement call"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "subjective assessment", "expert judgment", or "discretionary decision" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between a "judgement call" and a "factual decision"?

Yes, a "judgement call" involves subjective evaluation and interpretation, whereas a factual decision is based on verifiable evidence and objective data.

When is it appropriate to use the term "judgement call"?

It's appropriate to use "judgement call" when describing situations where a decision is based on someone's opinion or assessment, rather than a strict set of rules or guidelines. However, it should not be used as an excuse to prevent a logical explanation of the reason behind it.