matter of discretion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "matter of discretion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a decision or action that is left to someone's judgment or choice rather than being strictly defined by rules or laws. Example: "The approval of the project is a matter of discretion for the committee, and they will consider various factors before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The second is a matter of discretion.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is all a matter of discretion.

Cornell University

This isn't a matter of discretion, or discussion".

The New Yorker

This, however, is matter of discretion and of judgment only.

Harvard University

This is not a matter of discretion for federal regulators; it is an obligation.

The New York Times

A district court's decision to grant discovery to determine jurisdictional facts is a matter of discretion.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

On matters of discretion, the administration can move faster, but there are limited places where current law gives the administration much power to quickly change course.

The New York Times

For example, it argues that judges are better equipped than prosecutors to consider matters of discretion, so immigration judges should be given back the power to do so -- which the 1996 act stripped from them.

The New York Times

While some naysayers are still fuzzy on the legal case for executive action, the President has wide discretion to implement immigration laws as a matter of prosecutorial discretion.

Huffington Post

The mode or manner of regulation is a matter of legislative discretion.

Cornell University

The formality of certification may be waived as a matter of administrative discretion.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "matter of discretion" when emphasizing that a decision is not dictated by strict rules, but rather based on individual judgment or authority. For instance, "Whether to offer a refund is a matter of discretion for the manager."

Common error

Avoid using "matter of discretion" repeatedly in highly formal or legal writing where more precise terms like "at one's sole discretion" or "subject to regulatory approval" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matter of discretion" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a situation or decision that is subject to individual judgment or choice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

32%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "matter of discretion" is a commonly used phrase that signifies a decision or action relying on individual judgment rather than rigid rules. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It finds frequent use in contexts like news reporting, academic discussions, and scientific articles. When writing, remember that while widely applicable, its informal nature might necessitate more precise language in strictly formal or legal contexts. To achieve better clarity and more stylistic effect, alternatives like "subject to one's judgment", "at one's own discretion", or "up to the individual" can be valuable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at one's own discretion

Highlights the personal agency and authority in making the decision.

a discretionary decision

Replaces the phrasing with an adjective, emphasizing the type of decision made.

a question of choice

Indicates that the decision is based on preference rather than necessity.

dependent on personal judgment

Highlights that the outcome relies on individual assessment.

subject to one's judgment

Emphasizes the role of personal assessment and evaluation in the decision.

subject to personal interpretation

Highlights the influence of individual understanding and viewpoint.

left to someone's decision

Underscores that the responsibility for the outcome lies with the decision-maker.

within the purview of

Indicates that the decision falls under someone's authority or responsibility.

up to the individual

Focuses on the autonomy of the person making the choice.

a matter of policy

Focuses on the potential influence of organizational guidelines on the decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "matter of discretion" to indicate that a decision is based on someone's judgment rather than a strict rule. For example, "The dress code for the event is a matter of discretion for the attendees."

What's a good alternative to "matter of discretion"?

Alternatives include "subject to one's judgment", "at one's own discretion", or "up to the individual", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "at one's discretion" or "matter of discretion"?

"At one's discretion" and "matter of discretion" are generally interchangeable in formality, but "at one's discretion" can sound slightly more direct and authoritative in legal or business contexts.

When is it inappropriate to use "matter of discretion"?

It might be inappropriate when describing actions that are strictly governed by laws or regulations, where no individual judgment is permitted. In such cases, it's more accurate to state that something is "required by law" or "subject to compliance".