leeway to decide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leeway to decide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the freedom or flexibility someone has to make a decision or choice. Example: "The manager gave her team some leeway to decide how to approach the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The Pentagon will have leeway to decide where the cuts would be made.

The New York Times

Such clinics would have leeway to decide what equipment was needed for the procedures they performed.

The New York Times - Health

Today, broadcast rules have changed, giving stations more leeway to decide what to air.

The New York Times

Individual Cabinet secretaries and agency heads have broad leeway to decide on exemptions.

The Washington Post

This gives the corps enormous leeway to decide, project by project, where the water goes and who gets it.

The New York Times

While presidents should have significant leeway to decide what is an emergency, that discretion must not be unlimited.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

But in Europe, bankers have warned that laxer rules might draw bank operations to the United States or jurisdictions like Hong Kong, where the financial regulator also decided to give banks leeway to determine how best to align risks and rewards.

The New York Times

This means that Robert O'Neill, U.S. Attorney for Florida's Middle District that covers Sanford, Fla., has the leeway and authority to decide that a Zimmerman prosecution not only deserves federal attention but does not violate the department's established priorities.

HuffPost

But even now the system, especially on the Republican side, gives enormous leeway to state parties to decide how they wish to allocate and select delegates.

The New Yorker

If the NHL ever decides to give its referees a bit more leeway – say, creative license – to decide how to discipline the players, they might want to look over at the Russians for some guidance.

The Guardian - Sport

Then Mr. Crane starred at the news conference where Representative John Barrow of Georgia, a Democrat, presented his alternative bill on enforcement, which reflected many of Mr. Crane's demands for more immigration agents and less leeway for administration officials to decide how to deploy them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "leeway to decide", ensure the subject possessing the leeway is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify 'the manager has leeway to decide the budget allocation'.

Common error

Avoid using "leeway to decide" when the decision is heavily constrained by rules or policies. "Leeway" implies a degree of freedom that may not exist in strictly regulated contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leeway to decide" functions as a noun phrase followed by an infinitive verb, indicating the degree of freedom or flexibility one has in making a decision. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use across various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leeway to decide" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies the freedom or flexibility in making decisions. As Ludwig highlights, it's commonly found in news media, scientific publications, and formal business settings. The phrase is considered neutral in register, making it versatile for various communication needs. Understanding the nuances and appropriate context for its use, as well as considering alternative expressions, can enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discretion to determine

Emphasizes the power of judgment and discernment in making a decision.

latitude to choose

Focuses on the freedom to select among various options.

flexibility to resolve

Highlights the adaptability in finding a solution or making a determination.

room to maneuver in deciding

Implies strategic freedom and the ability to adjust decisions as needed.

authority to adjudicate

Specifically refers to the power to make a formal judgment or ruling.

entitlement to elect

Suggests a right or privilege to make a selection.

prerogative to judge

Emphasizes an exclusive right or privilege to assess and decide.

scope to opt

Focuses on the extent or range of options available for selection.

capacity to settle

Highlights the ability to resolve or conclude a matter through decision-making.

license to govern

Refers to the permission or authority to control or direct through decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "leeway to decide" in a sentence?

You can use "leeway to decide" to indicate someone has the freedom or flexibility to make a decision. For instance: "The project manager has "leeway to decide" which tasks to prioritize."

What are some alternatives to "leeway to decide"?

Alternatives include "discretion to determine", "latitude to choose", or "flexibility to resolve", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "leeway for deciding" instead of "leeway to decide"?

While "leeway for deciding" might be understood, "leeway to decide" is more idiomatic and grammatically standard. The infinitive form ("to decide") is generally preferred after "leeway" in this context.

What's the difference between "leeway to decide" and "obligation to decide"?

"Leeway to decide" implies a freedom or choice in making a decision, whereas "obligation to decide" suggests a mandatory requirement or duty to make a decision, regardless of personal preference.