within the discretion

USAGE SUMMARY

"within the discretion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a certain action is done at one's own discretion or judgement, with no set rules or guidelines. For example, you could say, "All decisions regarding staffing are made within the discretion of the company's HR department."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The determination to grant asylum is a matter within the discretion of the attorney general.

The New York Times

Otherwise, whether to require a reply to an answer is within the discretion of the court.

Harvard University

It would be within the discretion of a Ukip government to cut the amount Britain spends on aid.

The Guardian

On the other hand, an honorary degree is wholly within the discretion of the board to grant.

The New York Times

The grant or denial of a motion for preliminary injunction rests within the discretion of the trial court.

Harvard University

An extension requires review of academic performance by the department or program, and is within the discretion of the program.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

It required both laboratories with animal facilities and animal dealers to register with the US Department of Agriculture, or USDA, but it left the treatment of animals within research facilities to the discretion of researchers.

Harvard University

The exclusion criteria were applied within the consultation, at the discretion of the general practitioner.

BMC Family Practice

In some states the common-law rule that the entry of a nolle prosequi is within the sole discretion of the district attorney still exists; in others his discretion is subject to review by the court.

Britannica

The law has to apply within the in discretion of the prosecutor.

The New York Times

The requirement of exhaustion is a matter within the sound discretion of the courts.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "within the discretion", clearly state who holds the discretionary power to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "within the discretion of the manager" rather than just "within the discretion".

Common error

Avoid implying that the discretion is absolute or unchecked. Always acknowledge any limitations or guidelines that may apply, even if they seem minor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within the discretion" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating that an action or decision is subject to someone's judgment or authority. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

48%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "within the discretion" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate that a decision or action is subject to someone's judgment or authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used across various contexts, including news, academia, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's essential to specify who holds the discretionary power to avoid ambiguity. While synonymous alternatives like ""at one's own discretion"" exist, "within the discretion" maintains a formal and neutral tone suitable for professional communication. Remember that while this phrase implies autonomy, it does not necessarily denote absolute or unchecked power; it's important to be aware of limitations or guidelines that may apply.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at one's own discretion

Emphasizes personal judgment and autonomy in decision-making.

subject to one's judgment

Highlights the role of personal assessment and evaluation.

left to the determination of

Focuses on the act of deciding or concluding something.

at the liberty of

Implies freedom and the right to act according to one's will.

under the purview of

Specifies the scope of authority or responsibility.

by the authorization of

Highlights that an action depends on official permission or approval.

contingent on the decision of

Indicates reliance on someone's decision for a specific outcome.

depending on the assessment of

Highlights reliance on an evaluation for determining action.

as per the call of

Suggests acting based on someone else's direction.

as decided by

Focuses on decisions dictated by a designated authority.

FAQs

How can I use "within the discretion" in a sentence?

Use "within the discretion" to indicate that a decision or action is subject to someone's judgment or authority. For example, "The timing of the inspection is "at one's own discretion"."

What are some alternatives to "within the discretion"?

You can use alternatives like ""at one's own discretion"", "subject to one's judgment", or "left to the determination of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "at their discretion" or "within their discretion"?

Both "at their discretion" and "within their discretion" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific context.

What's the difference between "within the discretion" and "at the discretion"?

The phrases "within the discretion" and "at the discretion" are largely synonymous. Both indicate that a decision or action falls under someone's authority or judgment.