use your best judgment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "use your best judgment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to make a decision based on their own understanding and experience. Example: "In this situation, I trust you to use your best judgment to determine the best course of action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"For the rest of us who occasionally have to stay home for the cable guy, please use your best judgment in the spirit of collaboration," it said.

The New York Times

And, for the rest of us who occasionally have to stay home for the cable guy, please use your best judgment in the spirit of collaboration.

The New York Times

Use your best judgment here.

The New Yorker

Use your best judgment at all times.

The New York Times

Be vigilant, and use your best judgment.

Harvard University

"I'm asking you to use your best judgment," he said.

The New York Times

It really lets you independently use your best judgment".

The New York Times

If you've decided to leave, use your best judgment in selectively sharing that information with colleagues.

Harvard Business Review

"You are encouraged to use your best judgment with respect to appropriate decorations for our public spaces," Mr. Thomas wrote.

The New York Times

Among those respondents who shifted their resuscitation opinion after parental introduction, respondents to the nonlitigious version were more likely to shift their opinion from "treat" to "do not treat" after parental requests to "use your best judgment" (P <.042).

The Journal of Pediatrics

In all areas, use your best judgment.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving advice with "use your best judgment", ensure the person has enough context to make an informed decision. Provide relevant information and potential consequences to guide their assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "use your best judgment" without ensuring the recipient understands the context or has the necessary expertise. What seems obvious to you might not be to someone else.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "use your best judgment" functions as an imperative, directly instructing or advising someone to exercise their ability to make sound decisions based on their own assessment and understanding. This directive is commonly used to delegate autonomy and responsibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "use your best judgment" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to delegate decision-making and grant autonomy. As Ludwig AI notes, it advises someone to make choices based on their understanding and experience. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, and its register is neutral to informal. When using this phrase, ensure the recipient has adequate context and information to make a well-informed decision. Common alternatives include "exercise your discretion" and "do what you think is best".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise your discretion

This alternative emphasizes the act of using one's own judgment and discernment.

use your own discretion

Similar to "exercise your discretion", this highlights the personal application of judgment.

apply your better judgment

This suggests a more refined or superior level of judgment should be used.

act according to your conscience

This emphasizes the moral aspect of making a decision, guided by one's internal principles.

do what you think is best

This phrase focuses on the subjective assessment of what is the optimal course of action.

trust your instincts

This option suggests relying on inherent feelings and intuition to guide decisions.

use your initiative

This stresses the importance of taking independent action based on one's own assessment.

make an informed decision

This implies that the decision should be based on thorough knowledge and understanding.

assess the situation and proceed accordingly

This suggests a careful evaluation followed by appropriate action.

handle it as you see fit

This gives complete autonomy to manage a situation according to one's personal judgment.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "use your best judgment" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "exercise your discretion", "apply your better judgment", or "make an informed decision".

Is it appropriate to tell someone to "use your best judgment" in a professional setting?

Yes, it's generally acceptable in professional settings, especially when delegating tasks or giving autonomy. However, ensure the individual has the necessary information and authority.

What does it mean when someone tells me to "use your best judgment"?

It means you are being entrusted to make a decision based on your understanding, experience, and assessment of the situation. You should consider available information and potential consequences.

Are there situations where I shouldn't tell someone to "use your best judgment"?

Yes, avoid using it when specific protocols or rules must be followed, or when the person lacks the expertise or information to make a sound decision. In such cases, provide clear instructions instead.