I recently decided

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I recently decided" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a choice or conclusion that you have made not long ago. Example: "I recently decided to take a different approach to my studies to improve my grades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

My wife and I recently decided to split.

The New York Times

I recently decided to have a break myself.

The Guardian

As I have explained in my last two posts, I recently decided to join Vistage.

The New York Times

So I recently decided to give our neighboring state a little of my time.

The New York Times

My wife Zahra and I recently decided to move back to Pakistan.

The Guardian - Opinion

Which is why Dery Bennett and I recently decided to meet at a New Jersey beachfront.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

I only ask because I've recently decided the whole concept may in fact be pants.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Several deaf people I know recently decided to have one fitted.

The Guardian - Opinion

I've recently decided to address my own appearance issues directly.

Huffington Post

They will disappoint (expectations, and people) so like that child in me, I have recently decided to detach from expected outcomes and hope for things.

Huffington Post

And may I just mention that I have quite recently decided my accommodation should always feature a small chandelier and a jacuzzi.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

This phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, but consider a more nuanced alternative like "I've concluded" for highly formal contexts.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "I recently decided" repeatedly in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise alternatives such as "I concluded", "I determined", or "I resolved" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I recently decided" functions as a sentence opener or clause introducer, setting the stage for the action or outcome that follows. It indicates a recent choice or resolution made by the speaker. Ludwig AI provides many examples of this in use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I recently decided" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a newly made decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and suitable for both formal and informal communication, though considering context-specific synonyms might be beneficial for maintaining an appropriate tone. It frequently appears in news articles and personal narratives, indicating its relevance in explaining motivations and justifying actions. When writing, using this phrase provides clear context for the action or outcome being introduced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have decided recently

Inversion of the words. More archaic tone.

I've just decided

Emphasis on the immediacy of the decision.

I've come to the decision

Focuses on the process of reaching a conclusion.

I've resolved

Implies a firm and determined decision.

I've determined

Highlights the act of figuring something out before deciding.

I made up my mind

An informal way of expressing a decision.

I've concluded

Highlights a decision based on evidence or reasoning.

It has recently been my decision

Passive voice instead of active.

I've opted

Focuses on choosing between alternatives.

I've elected

Implies a formal choice or selection.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I recently decided"?

You can use alternatives like "I just decided", "I've come to the decision", or "I resolved" depending on the context.

Is "I recently decided" formal or informal?

The phrase "I recently decided" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider more precise alternatives such as "I concluded" or "I determined".

How to use "I recently decided" in a sentence?

You can use "I recently decided" to introduce a choice, a conclusion or a change in plans. For example: "I recently decided to take a break from social media for a week."

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

"I recently decided" indicates the decision was made not long ago, while "I decided" simply states a decision was made at some point in the past, without specifying when.