this is discretionary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is discretionary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a decision or action is optional and left to the discretion of the individual or group involved. Example: "The use of vacation days is discretionary, so you can choose when to take them based on your workload."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We recognize that for customers this is discretionary spending".

The New York Times - Sports

Medical treatment costs may be covered, but this is discretionary, limited to 'service-related conditions' and only available when there is no other source of public or other funding.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"This was discretionary... there was no need to grant Sir Fred's request for early retirement," said George Osborne, the shadow chancellor.

The Guardian - Business

This financing is discretionary, meaning lawmakers can cut it.

The New York Times

Senior officers point out that this fund is discretionary and is normally used to cover public events like party political conferences, demonstrations and other unbudgeted policing costs.

Independent

Without sign of reforms and better business opportunities at home, many corporations are keeping their wallets shut.One partial way around this problem is discretionary one-off payments, which do not commit companies to a hike in base pay that must be sustained for years into an uncertain future.

The Economist

While some interactions may be the result of necessity, there is no doubt that much of the time spent this way is discretionary.

Huffington Post

As stated earlier in this statement, such treatment, even if she deserved it, is discretionary not obligatory.

The Guardian

Being a consumer is discretionary; being a citizen isn't.

The New Yorker

Everything else is discretionary and should be charged as such".

The Guardian

The mayor says only about $15 billion of it is discretionary.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is discretionary" to clearly communicate that a decision or action is not mandatory, allowing flexibility and individual choice. For example, "Participation in the workshop is discretionary."

Common error

Avoid assuming that "this is discretionary" implies unimportance. While optional, the subject may still hold significant value or potential benefit. Make the level of importance explicit to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is discretionary" functions as a statement indicating that something is optional, not mandatory. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of example sentences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this is discretionary" serves to communicate that something is not mandatory, offering flexibility and individual choice. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that this phrase, while grammatically correct, is used uncommonly but correctly in both News & Media and Scientific contexts, with the primary intent of informing others about an action's optional nature. When using "this is discretionary", ensure the context clearly communicates the degree of importance, as optionality does not inherently imply insignificance. Consider alternatives like "this is optional" or "this is voluntary" to refine the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is optional

Focuses on the non-mandatory nature of something.

this is not required

Clearly states that something isn't a necessity.

this is not compulsory

Directly states the absence of a requirement.

this is non-mandatory

Emphasizes that there's no obligation involved.

this is voluntary

Emphasizes the willingness of the individual involved.

this is at your discretion

Shifts the decision-making power to the recipient.

this is elective

Highlights the element of choice.

this is permissible

Indicates that something is allowed but not forced.

this is up to you

Simplifies the phrase, indicating the decision is yours.

this is subject to approval

Highlights the need for authorization.

FAQs

What does "this is discretionary" mean?

The phrase "this is discretionary" means that something is optional and not required. It implies that the decision or action is left to someone's judgment or choice.

How can I use "this is discretionary" in a sentence?

You can use "this is discretionary" to indicate that something is not mandatory, such as "Attendance at the meeting is discretionary". It means you have a choice whether or not to attend.

What can I say instead of "this is discretionary"?

You can use alternatives like "this is optional", "this is voluntary", or "this is not required" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "that is discretionary" instead of "this is discretionary"?

Yes, both phrases are grammatically correct. "That is discretionary" might be more appropriate when referring to something previously mentioned or understood, while "this is discretionary" is suitable when introducing a new subject.