a decision like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decision like that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific type of decision that has been previously mentioned or is understood in context. Example: "I can't believe she made a decision like that without consulting anyone first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A decision like that would affect the Internet in Palestine for years to come," he said.

The New York Times

"It's not the time now to make a decision like that.

The Guardian - Sport

We tell these companies, 'You put the student in a difficult situation of having to make a decision like that.

The New York Times

There was no talk of being faced with a decision like that until the day that we had the ultrasound.

The New York Times

A decision like that would send a country to a dark place if it did not have the financial or technological support to rely solely on alternative energy sources.

Columbia University

Romano Prodi, the former president of the European Commission and former Italian prime minister who turned down an appeal in 2008 by Mr. Putin to lead South Stream, said a decision like that was ultimately one for European leaders.

The New York Times

"A decision like that would have normally taken a minimum of three months," says Tim Shannon, a partner with Canaan Partners, the firm that had led Aldea's $7 million fund-raising round.

MIT Technology Review

I've not seen a decision like that.

BBC

A decision like that has ultimately cost us.

BBC

It's very difficult to make a decision like that.

Forbes

"It's not the time to make a decision like that.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a decision like that", ensure the context clearly identifies the specific decision being referenced to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a decision like that" without clearly establishing what 'that' refers to. Always provide sufficient context so the reader understands the comparison.

Linguistic Context

Adverbial modifier: "A decision like that" functions as an adverbial modifier, adding descriptive detail by comparing a given decision with another, or with a category of decisions already in context. Ludwig provides various examples showcasing this function, with a 'Correct' grammatical status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a decision like that" is grammatically correct and very common, according to Ludwig. It functions as an adverbial modifier to draw comparisons between decisions, commonly used in neutral contexts like News & Media. To ensure clarity, writers should provide sufficient context when using this phrase to avoid vagueness. Related phrases include "a similar decision" and "that kind of decision", offering alternative ways to express a comparable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a similar decision

Focuses on the similarity of the decision itself.

that kind of decision

Highlights the category or type of decision being made.

such a decision

Emphasizes the specific nature or impact of the decision.

a comparable decision

Stresses the existence of a decision with similar characteristics.

a decision of that nature

Refers to the inherent qualities or essence of the decision.

a judgment of that sort

Replaces "decision" with "judgment", implying a considered evaluation.

an action of that kind

Broadens the scope to include actions beyond just decisions.

a choice like that

Substitutes "decision" with "choice", emphasizing the act of selecting.

that sort of choice

Combines the ideas of type and selection, with a slightly less formal tone.

a determination of that type

Replaces "decision" with "determination", implying a more firm or resolute choice.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a decision like that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "such a decision", "that kind of decision", or "a decision of that nature".

What are some alternatives to "a decision like that" in the context of legal proceedings?

In legal contexts, you might use phrases such as "a similar verdict", "a ruling of that kind", or "a judgment of that sort" to refer to comparable legal decisions.

When is it appropriate to use "a decision like that" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to refer back to a specific decision or type of decision that has already been mentioned or is clearly understood within the context of your writing. It helps to draw comparisons or highlight similarities.

Is there a difference between "a decision like that" and "that decision"?

"That decision" refers to a specific, already-identified decision. "A decision like that" refers to a type of decision that shares characteristics with a previously mentioned one, implying a comparison rather than direct reference.