Decide about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Decide about" is not commonly used in standard written English.
It can be used when referring to making a decision regarding a specific topic or issue, but "decide on" is more appropriate. Example: "We need to decide about the location for the meeting."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let's decide about the dragon.

The New Yorker

The courts may decide about Mr. Rodriguez's.

The New York Times

People in the street decide about themselves.

The New Yorker

Parents must decide about the violence.

The New York Times

That, they have to decide about".

The Guardian

Then we will decide about any possible operation".

Independent

"Because we are not going to decide about it".

The New York Times - Sports

But it's kind of scary to decide about your future".

The New York Times

It is the judiciary that has to decide about it".

The Guardian

I could not decide about any arrest or torture".

The New York Times

"But its not my job to decide about the calendar".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "decide about" is frequently used, consider using "decide on" for a more grammatically sound and widely accepted alternative. This substitution enhances clarity and formality in writing.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "decide about" in professional or academic contexts. Diversify your language by using alternatives like "decide on", "determine", or "make a decision regarding" to improve the sophistication and precision of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decide about" functions as a phrasal verb, where "decide" is the verb and "about" is a preposition that modifies its meaning. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various contexts, indicating its role in expressing the act of making a determination or judgment regarding something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decide about" is frequently used in contemporary English, appearing across diverse sources such as news outlets and scientific publications. Despite its prevalence, Ludwig and various grammar resources suggest that "decide on" is often a more grammatically sound alternative, particularly in formal contexts. While "decide about" is widely understood and accepted, opting for alternatives can enhance the precision and sophistication of your writing. Understanding its usage patterns and contexts is key to making informed decisions about its appropriateness in different writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decide on

This is a more standard and grammatically preferred alternative.

make a decision regarding

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the act of making a decision.

determine

This alternative suggests a process of finding something out definitively.

resolve

This implies settling or finding a solution to something.

settle on

This suggests choosing something after a period of consideration.

conclude about

This implies forming an opinion or judgment after evaluating information.

reach a verdict on

This is more formal and suggests an official decision.

adjudicate

This term is very formal and implies an official or legal judgment.

opt for

This emphasizes the act of choosing one option over others.

rule on

This suggests making an authoritative decision, often in a legal context.

FAQs

What's a more formal alternative to "decide about"?

For formal contexts, you can use phrases like "determine", "make a decision regarding", or "reach a conclusion on" instead of "decide about".

Is "decide about" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, "decide about" is often considered less grammatically correct than "decide on". The latter is generally preferred in formal writing.

How can I use "decide on" instead of "decide about" in a sentence?

Simply replace "decide about" with "decide on". For example, instead of "We need to decide about the budget", say "We need to decide on the budget".

When is it acceptable to use "decide about"?

It's acceptable to use "decide about" in informal conversations or casual writing. However, for professional or academic writing, it's better to opt for alternatives like "decide on" or "determine".