to have the final say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to have the final say" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing who has the ultimate authority or decision-making power in a situation. Example: "In our meetings, the manager always insists on having the final say regarding project approvals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Today, we report that organisations representing a million students are adding their voices to the calls for the country to have the final say on whatever exit deal the government finally comes back with.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was forced to make a second public apology, but managed to have the final say.

The New York Times

They claim a second referendum would enable the people to have the final say on Brexit.

The Guardian

Mr. Luzhkov appears to have the final say on the city's monuments.

The New York Times

If the game turns into a goalfest, you'd invariably expect the Bluebirds to have the final say.

Independent

He stressed that it would be up to the voters to have the final say, in a referendum.

The Guardian

While private developers tend to have the final say in New York, architecture is commissioned through open competitions in Berlin.

The New York Times - Arts

The Supreme Court is likely to want to have the final say on the parameters of any major constitutional shift on marriage.

The New Yorker

2. CHAIRMAN OF CLUB ENGLAND: Club England claims to have the final say on England matters, but will take soundings from the influential voices on the main board.

Independent

The question has far-reaching implications both for labor relations and the building of public works, and many experts expect the Supreme Court to have the final say.

The New York Times

The politicians have got to have the final say because otherwise the report will just gather dust on the shelves the way royal commission reports do.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to have the final say" to clearly indicate who possesses the ultimate authority or decision-making power in a given context. Ensure it aligns with the overall tone and formality of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to have the final say" when the decision-making process is collaborative or when authority is distributed. Ensure the context accurately reflects that a single entity or individual truly holds the ultimate decision-making power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to have the final say" functions as a verbal phrase indicating ultimate authority or decision-making power. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It commonly appears in contexts where the distribution of power or authority is being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to have the final say" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that clearly denotes ultimate decision-making authority. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in News & Media, Academia and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for conveying information about power dynamics. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the distribution of authority and aligns with the overall tone of your writing. Alternatives like ""to have the last word"" or ""to make the ultimate decision"" can be considered for subtle variations in emphasis. Be mindful not to misattribute final authority in situations where decision-making is collaborative or distributed. Considering that Ludwig provides plenty of examples, it's a phrase that can be used with confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To have the last word

Focuses on being the one who speaks or decides at the end of a discussion or process.

To make the ultimate decision

Emphasizes the act of deciding and the finality of the decision.

To be the final arbiter

Suggests the role of someone who resolves disputes and makes binding judgments.

To hold the deciding vote

Highlights the power to determine the outcome through a vote.

To be the ultimate authority

Indicates possessing the highest level of control and power.

To have the power of veto

Highlights the ability to reject or prohibit actions.

To control the outcome

Focuses on influencing the result of a situation.

To be in charge

Emphasizes overall responsibility and leadership.

To be the leading voice

Focuses on the influence and prominence of one's opinion.

To set the terms

Highlights the ability to define the conditions and rules.

FAQs

How can I use "to have the final say" in a sentence?

You can use "to have the final say" to indicate ultimate decision-making authority. For example, "The CEO is expected "to have the final say" on all major investments".

What are some alternatives to "to have the final say"?

Alternatives include "to have the last word", "to make the ultimate decision", or "to be the final arbiter" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "to have the final say" in formal writing?

Yes, "to have the final say" is appropriate in formal writing. It's a clear and direct way to express who has ultimate authority. You can also consider using alternatives such as "to make the ultimate decision" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "to have the final say" and "to have the last word"?

"To have the final say" refers to the power to make a decision that cannot be overturned, whereas ""to have the last word"" often implies simply concluding a discussion, not necessarily holding actual authority.