a conscious decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a conscious decision" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe a decision that was made deliberately and with awareness or thought. For example: - "She made a conscious decision to quit her job and pursue her passion." - "It was a conscious decision for the company to invest in new technology." - "He needs to make a conscious decision to prioritize his health and well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

About a year ago, the company made a conscious decision to focus specifically on product-led campaigns.

TechCrunch

It was a conscious decision".

The New York Times

Everything is a conscious decision.

The New York Times

But it's a conscious decision.

The New York Times

Was that a conscious decision?

The New York Times

"That was a conscious decision.

The New Yorker

It's not a conscious decision.

The New York Times

It's not necessarily a conscious decision.

The New Yorker

We had to make a conscious decision.

The New York Times

"I had a conscious decision," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Is that a conscious decision?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a conscious decision" when you want to emphasize that a choice was made deliberately and with full awareness of the potential consequences. This highlights the intentionality behind the action.

Common error

While "a conscious decision" is generally appropriate, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. In such contexts, simpler alternatives like "I decided to" or "I chose to" may sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a conscious decision" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies an action or choice made with full awareness and intent, as supported by Ludwig and its diverse examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a conscious decision" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that indicates a deliberate choice made with awareness. According to Ludwig, it commonly appears in contexts such as news, academia, and business. While generally appropriate for formal and neutral contexts, simpler alternatives may be more suitable for casual conversations. Ludwig's analysis further highlights its function as a noun phrase that conveys intentionality and responsibility. Consider using the phrase when you want to emphasize the deliberateness of a choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deliberate choice

Replaces "decision" with "choice", emphasizing the act of selecting from options.

an intentional decision

Highlights the purposefulness and premeditation behind the decision.

a considered decision

Focuses on the thoughtfulness and evaluation process involved.

a well-thought-out decision

Stresses the careful planning and analysis that went into the decision.

a strategic decision

Implies that the decision was made as part of a larger plan or strategy.

a calculated decision

Suggests a rational and analytical approach to making the decision, possibly with a focus on minimizing risk.

a purposeful action

Shifts the focus from the decision-making process to the resulting action, emphasizing its intent.

a reasoned judgment

Replaces "decision" with "judgment", framing it as a conclusion reached through logical thinking.

a proactive step

Highlights the forward-thinking and initiative involved in taking the action.

a determined course of action

Implies a firm resolve and commitment to a particular path.

FAQs

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

You can use "a conscious decision" to describe a deliberate choice, as in "She made "a conscious decision" to prioritize her health" or "It was "a conscious decision" to invest in renewable energy".

What are some alternatives to saying "a conscious decision"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a deliberate choice", "an intentional decision", or "a considered decision".

What's the difference between "a conscious decision" and "a subconscious choice"?

"A conscious decision" implies awareness and intent, while "a subconscious choice" suggests a choice made without explicit awareness or deliberation. For example, choosing to study for a test is "a conscious decision", while instinctively flinching from danger is a subconscious choice.

Is it redundant to say "a very conscious decision"?

While not grammatically incorrect, saying "a very conscious decision" can be redundant, as "conscious" already implies a high level of awareness. Consider if emphasizing the degree of awareness is truly necessary, or if ""a conscious decision"" alone is sufficient.