I then decided

USAGE SUMMARY

"I then decided" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to indicate a change in direction or to suggest a transition of thought. For example, "I was unsure what to do next. I then decided that the best course of action was to speak to an expert."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I then decided to start the institute.

MIT Technology Review

I then decided to join the Chen, I-T.

Stanford University

I then decided that I really didn't like this book.

The Guardian

I then decided to rent both spare rooms".

The Guardian - Money

I then decided to do something totally different—I made the book much longer.

Princeton University

I then decided to pursue a career in vocal performance in college.

Harvard University

I then decided to include astronomy in my undergraduate courses and made university applications accordingly.

Harvard University

"I then decided to contact [missed word] the most popular newspaper, The New York Times.

The Guardian - Opinion

I then decided that I absolutely couldn't do it, and that I was just kidding myself.

The New York Times

I then decided to end abruptly, but "abrupt ending for dramatic effect" is also patented.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I then decide what percentage of the buying goes into that theme – it's a balance.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I then decided" to clearly indicate a sequence of events where a decision follows a specific prior action or realization. This helps in creating a coherent narrative.

Common error

Ensure that the 'then' in "I then decided" clearly refers to a specific point in time or event. If the temporal context is unclear, consider rephrasing to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I then decided" serves as a narrative device to indicate a sequence of actions, where a decision is made following a previous event or consideration. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a grammatically correct and common phrase used to show the progression of thought or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I then decided" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to illustrate a sequence of actions where a decision immediately follows a previous event. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When writing, ensure the temporal link is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "subsequently I resolved" or "afterward I concluded" can add variety, but ""I then decided"" remains a clear and effective choice for conveying a sequential decision-making process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after thinking, I decided

Directly indicates a period of thought before arriving at the decision.

having considered it, I decided

Suggests that multiple factors were taken into account before the decision.

in the end, I decided

Emphasizes that the decision was made after a process, possibly involving difficulties or doubts.

on second thought, I decided

Highlights a reconsideration before making the final choice.

with further thought, I decided

Similar to the previous one, but with an added emphasis on the in-depth nature of the reflection.

afterward, I concluded

Emphasizes the concluding aspect of the decision after some deliberation.

following that, I opted

Highlights the sequential nature of the decision-making process, focusing on the choice made.

thereafter, I determined

Suggests a more deliberate and firm decision was reached after some time.

upon reflection, I chose

Indicates a decision made after careful thought and consideration.

subsequently I resolved

Implies a more formal and resolute decision following a previous action.

FAQs

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

Use "I then decided" to show a sequence where a decision is made after a previous event or realization. For example, "I reviewed the data, and "I then decided" to change my approach".

What are some alternatives to "I then decided"?

You can use alternatives such as "subsequently I resolved", "afterward I concluded", or "following that I opted" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "I decided then" instead of "I then decided"?

While "I decided then" is grammatically correct, it places more emphasis on the timing of the decision rather than the sequence of events. ""I then decided"" emphasizes that the decision followed a specific prior action.

What's the difference between "I then decided" and "I had then decided"?

"I then decided" implies a simple past action, while "I had then decided" suggests a past perfect action, indicating that the decision was made before another point in the past. The simple past form is generally more straightforward and common.