a decision against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decision against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a ruling or judgment that is unfavorable to a party involved in a legal case or dispute. Example: "The court issued a decision against the defendant, resulting in a significant penalty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Just as you made a decision against any change, we made a decision against any change".

The Guardian

He drew with Jake LaMotta and won a decision against Kid Gavilan.

The New York Times

He struck out 10 but did not get a decision against Reading on Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is not a decision against the United States of America," Juncker told reporters.

The Guardian - Tech

A decision against the reenrollment of a first-year student will be taken only in exceptional cases.

Princeton University

A decision against Samsung by the commission could result in an import ban on some of the company's mobile devices.

The New York Times - Tech

But Judah was not overly impressive in his last fight, winning a decision against the journeyman Junior Witter in Scotland.

The New York Times - Sports

"A decision against the ESM would have thrown the region's crisis response strategy into disarray," he said.

The Guardian

The ruling by the court, based in Louisville, Ky., overturns a decision against the minister, the Rev. Jane Spahr.

The New York Times

A decision against ChevronTexaco, oil analysts say, could prompt companies that are considering investing here into rethinking their position.

The New York Times

But a decision against ING could require the bank to repay the government some of the cost.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a decision against", ensure the context clearly identifies what or who the decision is against. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a decision against" when a simpler term like "rejection" or "disapproval" would suffice. Using the phrase in less formal contexts can sound overly legalistic or bureaucratic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decision against" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes an unfavorable outcome or ruling directed towards a specific entity. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage, confirming its established role in English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a decision against" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to indicate an unfavorable ruling or outcome. As Ludwig highlights, it appears frequently in news media, academic writing, and scientific publications, with a neutral to professional register. While versatile, it's best to use it when a precise description of a detrimental outcome is needed. Alternatives like "an unfavorable ruling" or "a rejection of" can be considered depending on the context. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an adverse judgment

Similar to "an unfavorable ruling", but emphasizes the legal context.

an unfavorable ruling

Focuses specifically on a legal or official judgment that is not in one's favor.

a negative verdict

Emphasizes the outcome of a trial or assessment being detrimental.

a defeat in court

Specifically relates to losing a legal battle.

a contrary determination

Highlights a conclusion that goes against an initial expectation or argument.

a rejection of

Directly indicates the act of dismissing or refusing something.

a disapproval of

Conveys a sense of not being in agreement with something.

a dissent from

Indicates a formal disagreement or opposition, often in legal or official contexts.

a setback for

Implies a temporary impediment or reversal of progress.

an opposition to

Highlights the act of resisting or contending against something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decision against" to indicate an unfavorable outcome or ruling. For example, "A decision against the company could lead to significant financial losses."

What's the difference between "a decision against" and "a ruling against"?

Both phrases are very similar, but "a ruling against" is generally used specifically in legal or official contexts, while "a decision against" can be used more broadly.

What are some alternatives to "a decision against"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "an unfavorable ruling", "a negative verdict", or "a rejection of".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a decision against"?

Yes, "a decision against" is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts to indicate an unfavorable outcome or judgment.