wide discretion

USAGE SUMMARY

"wide discretion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to mean a broad range of choices or decisions. For example, "The judge had wide discretion on whether or not to grant the defendant parole."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Prosecutors have wide discretion in selecting cases.

The New York Times

"Otherwise, they have wide discretion".

The New York Times

The authorities would have to have wide discretion.

The Guardian - Opinion

That agency has wide discretion to conduct demonstration projects.

The New York Times

Under state law, the governor has wide discretion in coming up with a successor.

The New York Times

The city's child welfare caseworkers have wide discretion over when to remove a child.

The New York Times

Although Atta enjoyed wide discretion as tactical commander, Bin Ladin had strong opinions regarding both issues.

The New York Times

The examiner would have wide discretion to investigate transactions at WorldCom.

The New York Times

Prosecutors have wide discretion about whether to bring charges and pursue a case after a mistrial.

The New York Times

They are far from ideal — they have loopholes that give an Attorney General wide discretion.

The New Yorker

It leaves room for judgments on a "case-by-case basis," giving regulators wide discretion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wide discretion" to convey a sense of significant autonomy and decision-making authority. This phrase is suitable when describing roles or situations where flexibility and independent judgment are valued.

Common error

Avoid using "wide discretion" when the actual decision-making power is limited or constrained by specific rules or guidelines. In such cases, using a more moderate term like "some flexibility" may be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wide discretion" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes the extent of decision-making power or authority granted to an individual or entity. It indicates a broad scope of freedom in making choices, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wide discretion" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a broad scope of decision-making authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, from legal and governmental to business and personal. Usage analysis reveals its prevalence in news and media, academia and encyclopedias. To ensure clarity, specify who possesses the discretion and its limits, if any. While versatile, avoid overstating the scope of discretion when actual authority is limited. Synonyms include "broad authority" and "extensive latitude", offering nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant leeway

Indicates a notable degree of flexibility and tolerance.

wide latitude

This alternative is different due to the use of "latitude" emphasizing freedom from narrow restrictions.

free rein

Implies permission to act without constraints or supervision.

considerable freedom

Focuses on the liberty and independence in choice and action.

extensive latitude

Highlights the wide range of allowable actions or decisions.

ample scope

Stresses the extensive range or opportunity available.

broad authority

Emphasizes the extensive power and rights associated with the position or role.

full autonomy

Highlights the complete independence and self-governance.

carte blanche

Suggests unlimited authority or freedom to act at one's own discretion.

unfettered power

Emphasizes the unrestricted and unchecked nature of the authority.

FAQs

How is "wide discretion" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal settings, "wide discretion" often refers to the authority of a judge, prosecutor, or regulatory body to make decisions based on their judgment within the bounds of the law. For example, a judge might have "wide discretion" in sentencing.

What are some synonyms for "wide discretion" that I can use in my writing?

Alternatives to "wide discretion" include "broad authority", "extensive latitude", or "considerable freedom". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "widest discretion" instead of "wide discretion"?

While grammatically possible, "widest discretion" is less common and might sound awkward in many contexts. "Wide discretion" is generally the preferred and more idiomatic choice. The term "widest" could be interpreted as the highest possible degree of discretion, which might not always be accurate.

How does "wide discretion" differ from "limited discretion"?

"Wide discretion" implies a significant degree of freedom and autonomy in decision-making, while "limited discretion" suggests that choices are constrained by specific rules, guidelines, or oversight. The key difference lies in the degree of flexibility afforded to the decision-maker.