use discretion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "use discretion" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to be careful and thoughtful in making a decision or taking action. You can use this phrase in situations where you are advising someone to think carefully before acting, or when giving someone the authority to make a decision based on their own judgment. Example: "As a manager, you must use discretion when handling sensitive information about your employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So use discretion.

The New York Times

"You must use discretion at all times.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"You just use discretion," he said.

The New York Times

Tax collectors use discretion in assessing taxes.

The Washington Post

Use discretion in case of women and children".

The New York Times

Southern adds that all employees use "discretion when appropriate".

The Guardian - Money

But in this case, a good prosecutor would use discretion.

The New York Times

But use discretion because you don't want to harass them.

The New York Times

"I tell the bartenders to use discretion," he said.

The New York Times

Vara says the department will use discretion when deciding which cases to go after.

The Guardian

So, too, may the vow not to use "discretion" brazenly in future.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "use discretion", be specific about the context where thoughtful judgment is needed. For instance, "When negotiating contracts, always use discretion and consider the long-term implications."

Common error

Avoid vaguely advising someone to "use discretion" without specifying the area where careful judgment is required. Instead, provide clear guidance and examples to ensure they understand the intended application.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "use discretion" functions as an imperative, directing someone to exercise careful judgment and make thoughtful decisions in a particular situation. This is supported by Ludwig's findings that the phrase is often used in contexts where advice or instructions are being given.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

8%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "use discretion" is a common and grammatically correct imperative that advises careful and thoughtful judgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, online guides, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key; provide specific context for the desired application to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "exercise prudence" or "show good judgment" can offer nuanced variations. Overall, while versatile, providing clear guidance alongside the phrase ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise prudence

Emphasizes careful and cautious behavior, suggesting a more formal approach than "use discretion".

apply judiciousness

Highlights the quality of having sound judgment, indicating a more thoughtful consideration.

show good judgment

Focuses on demonstrating sound decision-making skills in a specific situation.

act thoughtfully

Suggests considering the potential consequences of one's actions before proceeding.

be circumspect

Implies being wary and unwilling to take risks, suggesting a higher degree of caution.

proceed cautiously

Advises moving forward with care and awareness of potential dangers or problems.

handle with care

Indicates the need for careful treatment to avoid damage or problems, often in sensitive situations.

employ tact

Highlights the use of sensitivity and skill in dealing with others or with difficult issues.

demonstrate sensitivity

Focuses on showing awareness and understanding of other people's feelings and needs.

be judicious

Stresses the importance of making wise and careful decisions.

FAQs

How can I "use discretion" in my daily life?

Using "discretion" involves making careful and thoughtful decisions. For instance, "use discretion" when sharing personal information online, offering advice, or discussing sensitive topics.

What does it mean to "use discretion" at work?

At work, to "use discretion" means to handle confidential information responsibly, make fair judgments, and "exercise prudence" when representing your company.

Which is more appropriate, "use discretion" or "exercise caution"?

"Use discretion" implies employing thoughtful judgment and sensitivity, while "exercise caution" suggests being careful and avoiding risks. The best choice depends on the specific situation; sometimes "exercising prudence" is more fitting.

What's the difference between "use discretion" and "be discreet"?

"Use discretion" refers to the act of making careful decisions, whereas "be discreet" describes the quality of being subtle and unobtrusive. To "use discretion" is about the decision-making process; to "employ tact" focuses on behavior.