sound discretion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sound discretion" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the ability to make good judgments or decisions based on careful consideration of the circumstances. Example: "The committee exercised sound discretion in selecting the candidates for the scholarship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

We leave that matter to the sound discretion of the body best equipped to address it -- the Legislature.

The New York Times

The decision whether to conduct a manual recount is vested in the sound discretion of the Board.

The New York Times

Invoking "sound discretion under the special circumstances of this case," Judge Friendly won over another judge on the panel, the redacted testimony was released by a 2-to-1 vote, and Mr. Biaggi's campaign ultimately collapsed.

The New York Times

Now if Mr. Boies is correct then what did the Supreme Court mean when it said the decision whether to conduct a manual recount is vested in the sound discretion of the board?

The New York Times

In fact, this court recognized it 10 days ago in the Harris case when it said the decision whether to conduct a manual recount is vested in the sound discretion of the board and cited Hogan.

The New York Times

And that's what the statute says here and that's what the Florida Supreme Court has told us when it said that the board has the right to act within its sound discretion.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

How obstructions in commerce may be removed — what means are to be employed — is within the sound and exclusive discretion of the Congress".

The New Yorker

How obstructions in commerce may be removed — what means are to be employed — is within the sound and exclu­sive discretion of the Congress".

The New Yorker

The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit held that Judge Martini "usurped the jury's role" by excluding some testimony from the trial in a ruling that "cannot be reconciled with a sound exercise of discretion".

The New York Times

Accordingly, it is ordered and adjudged that the secretary of state is directed to withhold determination as to whether or not to ignore late-filed returns, if any, from plaintiff canvassing boards, until due consideration of all relevant facts and circumstances consistent with the sound exercise of discretion.

The New York Times

They added, "It can be in no way a sound exercise of discretion to reject a result that has not yet been proffered: no real balancing can be done when the weight of one side of the scale has yet to be ascertained".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or formal situations, "sound discretion" suggests a decision-maker's authority and responsibility to consider the nuances of a specific situation within established guidelines.

Common error

While "sound discretion" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stuffy in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "good judgment" or "common sense" in informal settings to avoid sounding pretentious.

Linguistic Context

"Sound discretion" functions as a noun phrase where "sound" modifies the noun "discretion", emphasizing the quality and reliability of the judgment. Ludwig examples showcase its use in legal and decision-making contexts, indicating a careful and well-considered approach.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Sound discretion" is a phrase used to describe the ability to make good, well-reasoned judgments, particularly in formal or legal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its prevalence in news and media sources indicates a neutral to formal register. While interchangeable with terms like "prudent judgment" or "wise judgment", it's best reserved for situations where careful consideration and responsible decision-making are emphasized. Avoiding its overuse in informal settings will ensure its impact and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prudent judgment

Replaces "sound" with "prudent", emphasizing careful and wise decision-making.

wise judgment

Substitutes "sound" with "wise", highlighting the intelligence and knowledge behind the decision.

good judgment

Uses a more general adjective, "good", in place of "sound", indicating a positive quality of judgment.

reasoned decision-making

Replaces the entire phrase with a more descriptive term focusing on the process of making a decision based on reason.

careful deliberation

Shifts focus to the thoroughness and thoughtfulness involved in the decision-making process.

informed decision

Emphasizes that the decision is based on thorough knowledge and understanding of the relevant facts.

considered opinion

Highlights the thoughtful consideration that went into forming the opinion or decision.

responsible assessment

Focuses on the accountability and careful evaluation involved in making a judgment.

judicious evaluation

Replaces "discretion" with "evaluation", stressing the careful and balanced assessment of options.

circumspect approach

Emphasizes caution and careful consideration of all circumstances before making a decision.

FAQs

What does "sound discretion" mean in legal terms?

In legal contexts, "sound discretion" refers to a decision-maker's (like a judge or board) power to make a choice within a range of options, based on their judgment of the specific facts and circumstances, and guided by legal principles. It implies a reasoned and justifiable decision, not arbitrary or capricious.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "sound discretion" in writing?

Use "sound discretion" in formal writing, especially when discussing legal matters, professional conduct, or situations where careful judgment and consideration are important. It's suitable when you want to emphasize the quality and thoughtfulness of a decision-making process.

What are some alternatives to "sound discretion" that I can use in different contexts?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "prudent judgment", "wise judgment", "good judgment", or "reasoned decision-making". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sound discretion" the same as "common sense"?

While both involve making reasonable decisions, "sound discretion" typically implies a more formal and deliberate process than "common sense". "Common sense" refers to practical, everyday knowledge and understanding, while "sound discretion" often involves weighing different factors and making a judgment within a specific framework or set of rules.