I decided to write

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "I decided to write" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the decision or intention of the subject to engage in the act of writing. Example: "After much contemplation, I decided to write a letter to my old friend to apologize for my behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So I decided to write for myself.

The New York Times - Arts

I decided to write him a letter.

The Guardian

So I decided to write another novel.

The Guardian - Books

I decided to write my own".

The Guardian - Books

And then I decided to write this letter".

The New York Times

That's why I decided to write a book.

Independent

Fourteen years ago, I decided to write Arno's biography.

The New Yorker

Which is to say, I decided to write a poem.

The New Yorker

Instead I decided to write something much more peculiar.

The Guardian - Books

"So I decided to write in French," he says.

The Guardian - Books

And so I decided to write these little vignettes down".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I decided to write", follow it with a clear explanation of what you decided to write and why. This provides context and makes your statement more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "I decided to write" without specifying what you are writing about. Saying "I decided to write" without context leaves the reader wondering about the subject and purpose of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I decided to write" functions as an independent clause expressing the subject's past decision to engage in the act of writing. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it introducing various forms of writing, from letters to books.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I decided to write" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a past decision to begin writing. According to Ludwig, this phrase is widely accepted and frequently used across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media and Academic settings. It is suitable for neutral registers and sets the stage for explaining the reasons behind the decision to write. While versatile, it's best practice to follow the phrase with clear information about the topic or purpose of the writing, preventing any ambiguity for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I chose to write

Substitutes "decided" with "chose", highlighting the element of choice.

I resolved to write

Replaces "decided" with "resolved", emphasizing a firm decision.

I determined to write

Uses "determined" instead of "decided", conveying a sense of strong intention.

I opted to write

Replaces "decided" with "opted", suggesting a selection from alternatives.

I made the decision to write

Adds formality by explicitly stating the decision-making process.

I came to the conclusion to write

Emphasizes the process of arriving at the decision to write.

I felt compelled to write

Indicates an internal drive or obligation to write.

I planned to write

Highlights the planning aspect of writing.

I considered writing

Suggests the initial stage of thinking about writing before making a firm decision.

I had the idea to write

Focuses on the origin of the intention as an idea that came to mind.

FAQs

How can I use "I decided to write" in a sentence?

Use "I decided to write" to introduce your intention to create a written work, followed by the topic or reason. For instance, "I decided to write a letter to express my gratitude" or "I decided to write a novel about my experiences".

What are some alternatives to "I decided to write"?

You can use alternatives like "I resolved to write", "I chose to write", or "I made the decision to write depending on the level of formality and emphasis you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I decided writing" instead of "I decided to write"?

No, "I decided writing" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "I decided to write", where "to write" is an infinitive phrase acting as the object of the verb "decided".

What's the difference between "I decided to write" and "I'm going to write"?

"I decided to write" indicates a decision made in the past, while "I'm going to write" suggests a future intention or plan. The former implies a concrete decision, whereas the latter may be less firm.