a decision

USAGE SUMMARY

"a decision" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to an action or choice made by someone. Example: "Mary finally made a decision about her future career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A decision.

The New York Times

A decision is pending.

The New York Times

"You need a decision".

The New Yorker

Rippon made a decision.

The Guardian - Opinion

Marvis won a decision.

The New Yorker

He'd made a decision.

The New York Times

"We made a decision.

The New York Times - Sports

They made a decision".

The New York Times - Magazine

He made a decision.

The New York Times

But make a decision".

Independent

Plyler made a decision.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a decision" when referring to a single, specific act of deciding. For example, "Making "a decision" about your career path requires careful consideration."

Common error

Avoid using "a decision" when referring to a well-known or specific decision, especially one that has significant historical or cultural impact. Instead, use "the decision". For instance, it's more appropriate to say "the Supreme Court's decision" rather than "a Supreme Court's decision" in a legal context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decision" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It represents a concrete instance of choosing or resolving something. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its usage in various contexts, confirming its role as a fundamental element in sentence construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decision" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase employed to denote a specific instance of choosing or resolving something. According to Ludwig, this phrase finds widespread application across diverse contexts, notably in news and media. To ensure effective writing, it is crucial to distinguish between "a decision" and "the decision", using the former for general instances and the latter for specific, well-known decisions. Also, remember to "make a decision", not take it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a choice

Focuses on the act of selecting between options, similar to making a decision.

a resolution

Implies a firm decision to do or not do something.

a judgment

Emphasizes the cognitive process of evaluating information before deciding.

an agreement

Highlights a mutual understanding and decision between parties.

a determination

Stresses the firmness and resolve behind the decision.

a conclusion

Focuses on the end result of deliberation, similar to reaching a decision.

a settlement

Refers to a final decision resolving a dispute or legal matter.

a verdict

Specifically refers to the decision of a jury or judge.

an opinion

Indicates a personal belief or judgment formed after consideration.

an assessment

Emphasizes the process of evaluating something before making a decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decision" to refer to a specific act of making up one's mind. For example: "She made "a decision" to accept the job offer."

What are some alternatives to using "a decision"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a choice", "a resolution", or "a judgment".

When should I use "decision" vs. "a decision"?

"Decision" is a general term that can refer to the act of deciding in general. "A decision" refers to a specific, individual instance of deciding something. For example, "The process of decision-making can be complex" versus "Making "a decision" to move was difficult."

Is it correct to say "make a decision" or "take a decision"?

The correct and more common phrase is "make "a decision"". While "take a decision" might be understood, it is less idiomatic.