a certain decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a decision that has been made, but wish to remain vague about the specifics. For example: "The board of directors recently made a certain decision that will affect the entire company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Sometimes, of course, a later event shapes our assessment of whether a certain decision was right or wrong.

The New Yorker

In fact, it stands towards one corner, as if it has been set free to roam, and has reached a certain decision as to its own positioning.

Independent

He can do anything within his purview without fearing political consequences, without having to worry about what a certain decision will mean for his ability to raise campaign dollars or get a job after he leaves office.

The New Yorker

But on Monday, Richard Keys took to the pair's joint Twitter account – and gave the least patronising of blessings to a certain decision by a certain female assistant referee.

The Guardian - Sport

"Well, we don't have a certain decision or information on that at this date, but the village may be levelled," Major Dixon answered, and went on to say, "The attack is going to go tomorrow morning and it's going to be a complete surprise.

The New Yorker

This negative emotion emerges from an undesirable evaluation process of a certain decision.

Psicologia: Reflexão e Crítica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Knowledge Management Frameworks provides functions that provide the ability to understand data-generated information and use existing experience within a certain decision-making context.

From Machine-To-Machine to the Internet of Things Introduction to a New Age of Intelligence

From a clinical point of view, these results are frustrating, and so they lead to the search for other surgical techniques, which can be used in combination with the above-mentioned methods in a certain decision-making process.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

A better design for the future could be to connect the study to catchment areas or other administrative units (districts, etc)., thus ensuring that a certain decision-maker could take care of the results and on that basis, try to improve the aspects that do not reasonably meet the populations' desires.

Global Health Action

We were interested in whether this relationship between chosen and rewarded location could be a result of certain decision rules.

Plosone

Whenever I would ask the reason behind a certain business decision, the professor would attribute it to a legal requirement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain decision" when you want to refer to a specific decision without providing specific details, often to maintain confidentiality or focus on the consequences rather than the decision itself.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain decision" excessively if it obscures important information. Be mindful of the context and provide more details if the decision's specifics are crucial for understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain decision" functions as an adjectival modifier plus a noun. It specifies that a decision was made, but the nature of the decision is left unspecified. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain decision" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that refers to a specific decision without explicitly stating what that decision is. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase functions as an adjective modifying a noun and serves the communicative purpose of indicating a decision's existence while maintaining vagueness about its details. It appears most commonly in Science and News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context and consider whether providing more specific information would enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "a particular decision" or "a specific choice" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular decision

Replaces "certain" with "particular", emphasizing a specific choice.

a specific choice

Substitutes "decision" with the more general term "choice", highlighting the act of selecting.

a given determination

Uses "determination" to replace "decision", suggesting a firm conclusion.

a defined resolution

Replaces "decision" with "resolution", implying a formal or official conclusion.

a select judgment

Swaps "decision" with "judgment", indicating an evaluation and subsequent choice.

a designated course of action

Replaces "decision" with a more descriptive phrase, specifying the outcome of the decision.

a set conclusion

Emphasizes the finality of the decision by using "set" and "conclusion".

an established plan

Uses "plan" to replace "decision", shifting the focus to the strategic aspect.

a firm agreement

Suggests that the decision is one that has been mutually agreed upon.

a deliberate act

Highlights that the decision was made consciously and intentionally, using "act" to specify the execution.

FAQs

How can I use "a certain decision" in a sentence?

You can use "a certain decision" when you want to mention that a decision has been made, but you don't want to specify what it is. For example: "Due to "a certain decision", the project was delayed."

What are some alternatives to "a certain decision"?

Alternatives include "a particular decision", "a specific choice", or "a given determination", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a certain decision"?

While grammatically correct, using "a certain decision" may not always be appropriate. If the details of the decision are essential for understanding the situation, it's best to provide more specific information.

What does "a certain decision" imply?

"A certain decision" implies that a specific decision has been made, but the speaker or writer is choosing not to reveal the exact details. This can be for reasons of confidentiality, brevity, or to focus on the consequences rather than the specifics of the decision.