I really decided

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I really decided" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the certainty or conviction behind a decision you have made. Example: "After much consideration, I really decided to pursue my passion for art instead of following a traditional career path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"I really decided it was someplace I could make a difference," Mr. Kirby said in an interview.

The New York Times

I was in the second row, and I got to see all of the candidates discuss the issues, and that was when I really decided on Marco.

The New Yorker

"But what was a big motivation for me, when I really decided to continue is when I heard that all of the people we were fighting for on the 23rd, they had all survived.

The New York Times - Sports

"After what happened to Lance, I really decided to do everything a little better, push myself a little harder, and that's made the difference," Gay, 25, said this week.

The New York Times - Sports

"I really decided at that point that I wanted to do economics and I wanted to bridge this divide between the real world and the theoretical world," Mr. Mullainathan said.

The New York Times

I thought about it for several years before I really decided to do it.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"I never really decided to be a writer," he wrote in his autobiography, "The Sport of Queens," "I just sort of drifted into it".

The New York Times - Books

I never really decided to quit dumpster diving.

Vice

"Oddly, I never really decided to make Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey.

Huffington Post

"I might take a year off or I might stop, I haven't really decided yet," she told BBC Radio Norfolk.

BBC

I've not really decided whether to take him to Kempton yet, I'm in two minds.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I really decided" to add emphasis to a past decision, conveying a sense of conviction or resolution. This phrase is most effective when you want to highlight the importance or deliberateness of your choice.

Common error

Avoid using "really" excessively in your writing. While "I really decided" is acceptable, constantly relying on "really" can weaken your writing's impact. Instead, consider stronger verbs or more descriptive language to convey your decision-making process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I really decided" functions as a statement expressing a past decision made with emphasis. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. The word "really" serves as an intensifier, strengthening the verb "decided".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I really decided" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the conviction behind a past decision. According to Ludwig, this phrase commonly appears in News & Media contexts. When employing this phrase, remember that while it adds emphasis, overuse of "really" can diminish its impact. Alternatives like "I firmly resolved" or "I definitively concluded" can add variety and nuance. It's important to consider the context and desired level of formality when choosing between "I decided" and "I really decided", as the latter conveys a stronger sense of determination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I made up my mind for good

Suggests a final and lasting decision.

I reached a firm decision

Focuses on the solidity of the decision.

I chose with conviction

Stresses the strength of belief behind the choice.

I resolved definitively

Highlights the decisiveness of the resolution.

I decided without hesitation

Emphasizes the promptness of the decision.

I determined unequivocally

Stresses the lack of ambiguity in the determination.

I concluded with certainty

Highlights the assuredness of the conclusion.

I opted decisively

Highlights the resolute nature of the choice.

I came to the firm conclusion

Emphasizes the certainty of the conclusion reached.

I settled on it without a doubt

Focuses on the absence of uncertainty in the decision.

FAQs

How can I use "I really decided" in a sentence?

You can use "I really decided" to emphasize that you made a firm decision. For instance, "After considering all options, "I really decided" to accept the job offer" demonstrates a strong commitment.

What are some alternatives to "I really decided"?

Alternatives include "I definitively resolved", "I came to a firm conclusion", or "I made up my mind for good". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "I really decided" or should I use a stronger verb?

Using "I really decided" is grammatically correct and adds emphasis. However, using a stronger verb can sometimes be more impactful. For example, instead of "I really decided to quit", you could say "I resolved to quit".

What's the difference between "I decided" and "I really decided"?

While both phrases indicate a decision was made, ""I really decided"" emphasizes the certainty and conviction behind that decision. It suggests the decision was made after careful consideration or with strong intent, unlike "I decided", which is a more neutral statement.