sense of discretion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of discretion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone's ability to make judicious decisions or to act with careful judgment in sensitive situations. Example: "In her role as a manager, she demonstrated a strong sense of discretion when handling employee conflicts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

All sense of discretion was semi-abandoned.

The New York Times

Do people have no sense of discretion or grace or taste anymore?

The New York Times

In Afghanistan's extremely conservative culture, a sense of discretion runs even deeper.

The New York Times

Finally the thing that distinguishes her writing here is its sense of discretion.

The New York Times - Books

Languages were important in his work, but not as important as a sense of discretion.

The New Yorker

Perhaps Hope Hicks will retain her sense of discretion long after she leaves the White House.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Someone who has a pair of privilege rights—no duty to perform the action, no duty not to perform the action is free in an additional sense of having discretion over whether to perform the action or not.

SEP

On occasion, Sissako shows damage being done to living flesh, yet even here you sense his powers of discretion.

The New Yorker

What the young poet deferred to was poetic form and an increasingly old-fashioned sense of manners and discretion.

The New Yorker

Phil Parkinson, Bradford's manager, criticised the referee, Kevin Friend, for failing to "use common sense and a bit of discretion" at a time when Swansea were already 3-0 up, following two goals from Nathan Dyer and another from Michu.

The Guardian - Sport

"The referee could have used his common sense and a bit of discretion in terms of the context of the game," said Parkinson.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics, use "sense of discretion" to emphasize the importance of careful and thoughtful handling of information.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of discretion" too frequently in formal writing. Instead, consider using more precise terms like "prudence", "tact", or "confidentiality" to convey specific aspects of careful judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of discretion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes an attribute or quality, specifically the capacity for judicious and careful behavior. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sense of discretion" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase that describes the ability to make sound judgments in sensitive situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid for use in written English. It's particularly suited for neutral to formal contexts, such as news reporting, academic writing, and professional communication. While synonyms like "prudence", "tact", and "confidentiality" can provide more specific nuances, "sense of discretion" offers a general yet effective way to emphasize the importance of careful and thoughtful handling of information. Be mindful not to overuse it and always check if a better fitting more specific word is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of prudence

Changes the noun from 'discretion' to 'prudence', emphasizing carefulness and good judgment.

measure of prudence

Similar to "feeling of prudence", but uses 'measure' to indicate quantity or degree.

capacity for judiciousness

Uses 'capacity' to denote ability and 'judiciousness' to indicate sound judgment.

act of tactfulness

Replaces 'sense' with 'act' and 'discretion' with 'tactfulness', focusing on specific actions.

exhibit of tact

Similar to "act of tactfulness", but uses 'exhibit' to highlight a visible display.

display of circumspection

Uses 'display' instead of 'sense' and 'circumspection' instead of 'discretion', highlighting careful consideration.

show of restraint

Replaces 'discretion' with 'restraint', emphasizing self-control and moderation.

degree of thoughtfulness

Substitutes 'sense' with 'degree' and 'discretion' with 'thoughtfulness', emphasizing consideration for others.

level of confidentiality

Replaces 'discretion' with 'confidentiality', focusing on maintaining secrecy.

awareness of decorum

Substitutes 'discretion' with 'decorum', focusing on proper behavior and etiquette.

FAQs

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

You can use "sense of discretion" to describe someone's ability to handle sensitive information or situations with careful judgment. For example: "The diplomat demonstrated a remarkable "sense of discretion" when negotiating the delicate treaty".

What is a synonym for "sense of discretion"?

Synonyms for "sense of discretion" include "prudence", "tact", "confidentiality", and "circumspection". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How does "sense of discretion" differ from "common sense"?

"Sense of discretion" refers to the ability to make sound judgments in sensitive situations, while "common sense" implies practical intelligence and basic understanding of everyday matters. They are not interchangeable.

Is it appropriate to use "sense of discretion" in academic writing?

Yes, "sense of discretion" is appropriate in academic writing, especially when discussing ethical considerations, privacy, or the handling of sensitive data. Ensure that the context warrants its use.