possessing sound judgment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possessing sound judgment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has the ability to make wise and sensible decisions. Example: "In her role as a manager, she is known for possessing sound judgment, which has earned her the respect of her team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Applicants must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen, an Orange County resident for at least one year, able to communicate adequately in English and possess sound judgment and a sense of fairness, according to the release.

Los Angeles Times

But this same fellow seems to have sound judgment in hats.

The New York Times

Geeks are smart, but don't assume smart people always have sound judgment––they don't.

WikiHow

Although he possessed sound political judgment, his lack of self-confidence caused him to rely heavily on his ministers, most notable of whom was Sir Robert Walpole.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In an article for the Sunday Times, he said that the cabinet contained "many other" politicians apart from Brown who possessed the sound judgment and vision that the country needed.

The Guardian

"The country can profit from a young, energetic, honest individual who possesses excellent administrative skills and very wise and sound judgment," said Chief U.S. District Judge Gordon Thompson Jr. "That's what I think the job takes.

Los Angeles Times

Monetary policymakers have to rely on good luck as well as sound judgment.

The Economist

We need say no more than that appellate courts have no facilities for the examination of witnesses; nor in the nature of things can they have that intimate knowledge of the evidence and 'feel' of the trial scene, which are so essential to sound judgment upon matters of such complexity and subtlety as those involved here, and which are possessed by the trial court alone.

Cornell University

That seems a sound judgment.

The Economist

Wisdom: having good, sound judgment.

Harvard Business Review

The chief, Ted Meyer, applauded his sound judgment.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone, specify the area in which they demonstrate "possessing sound judgment" to give context and strengthen your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "possessing sound judgment" in overly casual or informal settings, as simpler phrasing like "having good judgment" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possessing sound judgment" functions as a descriptive attribute, typically used to characterize an individual's ability to make well-reasoned and sensible decisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. It is used to highlight someone's capacity for wise discernment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "possessing sound judgment" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe an individual's ability to make wise and sensible decisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is valid for use in written English, although it may lean towards a more formal tone. While not frequently used, it appears in various authoritative sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and academic publications. Alternatives such as "having good judgment" or "demonstrating sound judgment" offer similar meanings with slight nuances. When using the phrase, ensure that the context aligns with its formal nature, and consider specifying the area where the judgment is applied for greater clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having good judgment

Focuses on the attribute of having good judgment rather than the act of possessing it.

demonstrating sound judgment

Emphasizes the act of showing good judgment through actions.

exhibiting wise discernment

Highlights the quality of discernment in making judgments.

displaying prudence

Stresses the cautious and wise aspect of decision-making.

exercising good sense

Focuses on the practical application of good judgment.

showing acumen

Implies sharp insight and skill in making judgments.

using good discretion

Highlights the careful and responsible nature of decision-making.

applying sound reasoning

Emphasizes the logical and rational basis of the judgment.

maintaining levelheadedness

Highlights composure and clear thinking under pressure, leading to good judgment.

having the wisdom to

Connects the concept of wisdom directly to the ability to make sound judgments.

FAQs

How can I use "possessing sound judgment" in a sentence?

You can use "possessing sound judgment" to describe someone who makes wise and sensible decisions. For example, "In her role as a manager, she is known for possessing sound judgment, which has earned her the respect of her team."

What are some alternatives to "possessing sound judgment"?

You can use alternatives like "having good judgment", "demonstrating sound judgment", or "exhibiting wise discernment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "possessing sound judgment" or "having sound judgment"?

Both "possessing sound judgment" and "having sound judgment" are grammatically correct. "Possessing sound judgment" might sound slightly more formal, while "having sound judgment" is more common.

What does it mean to say someone is "possessing sound judgment"?

Saying someone is "possessing sound judgment" means that they consistently make well-reasoned, logical, and sensible decisions. It implies they have the ability to weigh options carefully and arrive at beneficial conclusions.