wise discretion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wise discretion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the careful and judicious judgment in making decisions or choices. Example: "The committee exercised wise discretion in selecting the candidates for the scholarship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

One of his superiors praised him: "You have been a model of proper discipline and subordination, strictly attentive to duty, promptly obedient to orders, and acting with a wise discretion in all matters requiring the exercise of your individual judgment".

The New York Times

The Times said in an editorial that "the country has lost a benefactor and hero" who was often judged unfairly for infrequent overzealous mistakes but who generally exercised wise discretion.

The New York Times

Ultimately, stable character and wise discretion are needed.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

President Obama is wise to observe discretion with respect to commenting on the unrest in Iran ("Obama Warns Against Direct Involvement by U.S. in Iran," news article, June 17).

The New York Times

Because there is no embryo involved, Murray says these technologies distil the question into its purest form: "How much parental discretion is wise and good in selecting the traits in the offspring?" Morriss says they are asked a lot if they are "in the designer baby business", but dismisses the question because people don't say they want the perfect child.

The Guardian - Tech

First, the wise exercise of presidential discretion in immigration -- initiated by President Eisenhower with Cubans -- can result in enormous benefits to all Americans.

Huffington Post

JHA opposes HB2265 because we agree with the consensus of experts and practitioners who have found that the wise use of judicial discretion is more effective at preventing crime than mandatory minimum sentences.

Huffington Post

If we had birth it roared at discretion of my wise child: a challenge to his time so well served by the dealers of mis-fame.

The Guardian - Books

Discretion is the wiser part of valour, and in this case, not only will we be protecting the companies we work for from an easy-to-manage risk, we'll also make much more pleasant neighbours in public spaces.

BBC

ACPO might be wise to scrap its guidance altogether and return discretion to chief constables to act proportionally in individual cases".

The Guardian

The result, overseen by Derek Lardelli, a tobunga, a Maori wise man, was Kapa O Pango, a new Haka which is performed only occasionally, at the players' discretion.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wise discretion", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the careful and thoughtful decision-making process involved. For instance, in legal or ethical discussions, emphasize the judgment's soundness and ethical basis.

Common error

Avoid using "wise discretion" in very casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "good judgment" or "common sense" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wise discretion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "wise" modifies the noun "discretion". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It describes the quality of possessing and applying sound judgment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wise discretion" is a grammatically sound and usable term that signifies the application of thoughtful and informed judgment, according to Ludwig. While its usage is relatively infrequent, it's most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. When aiming to convey a sense of considered authority and measured judgment, "wise discretion" is a suitable choice, but simpler alternatives like "prudent judgment" or "sound judgment" may be preferable in more casual settings. This information, derived from Ludwig AI, helps writers utilize the phrase effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prudent judgment

Emphasizes the careful and practical nature of the decision.

sound judgment

Highlights the reliability and rationality of the decision-making process.

judiciousness

Focuses on the quality of being judicious, or having good judgment.

astute discernment

Underscores the keenness and accuracy of perception in making decisions.

careful deliberation

Highlights the thorough and thoughtful consideration given to a matter.

thoughtful prudence

Combines thoughtfulness with cautiousness in decision-making.

sagacious consideration

Focuses on the wisdom and insight applied during the decision process.

sensible approach

Highlights the practicality and rationality of the chosen method.

discreet handling

Emphasizes the careful and confidential management of a situation.

circumspect action

Highlights caution and careful consideration of all circumstances before acting.

FAQs

How can I use "wise discretion" in a sentence?

You can use "wise discretion" to describe someone's ability to make sound judgments, such as: "The judge exercised "wise discretion" in sentencing the defendant".

What are some synonyms for "wise discretion"?

Alternatives to "wise discretion" include "prudent judgment", "sound judgment", and "careful deliberation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "wise discretion" a formal or informal phrase?

"Wise discretion" is generally considered a formal phrase, best suited for professional, academic, or official contexts. In more casual settings, simpler terms might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "wise discretion" and "good judgment"?

While similar, "wise discretion" often implies a more thoughtful and considered decision-making process, especially in complex or sensitive situations, while "good judgment" is a more general term for making sensible decisions.