a decision that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a decision that' is used in written English.
It is often used to introduce a statement that is the result of a decision. For example: "The committee came to a decision that the organization should invest in new technology to improve efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A decision that will stick forever.

The Washington Post

It is a decision that makes sense.

The Guardian

We've never made a decision that quickly".

The New York Times - Sports

It's a decision that puzzles most of Washington.

The New York Times

This is not a decision that should be taken lightly.

The Economist

But it was a decision that broadened his young life.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a decision that ended her life.

The New York Times - Health

"When he made a decision, that was the decision".

The New York Times - Tech

"It wasn't a decision that was made lightly".

The New York Times

It was a decision that changed his life.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a decision that can change your life.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a decision that", ensure that the 'that' clause clearly specifies the consequence, reason, or characteristic of the decision. This makes the sentence more informative and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "a decision that" without a clearly defined consequence in the 'that' clause. For example, instead of "It was a decision that was made," specify the impact: "It was a decision that saved the company millions."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decision that" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a relative clause. It modifies a noun (decision) by adding descriptive information about it. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it is frequently used to provide context or consequences related to the decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decision that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce clarifying or consequential information about a decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in news media and formal business settings. When using "a decision that", ensure the 'that' clause adds relevant context and specifies the decision's impact. While common, clarity is key; make sure the consequence of the decision is evident to avoid vagueness. Consider related phrases such as "a choice which" or "an option that" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a choice which

Replaces 'decision' with 'choice', maintaining the relative clause structure. This alternative emphasizes the act of choosing.

an option that

Substitutes 'decision' with 'option', highlighting the availability of different courses of action.

a judgment that

Replaces 'decision' with 'judgment', giving more weight to reasoning and assessment.

a determination which

Replaces 'decision' with 'determination', emphasizing the firm and resolute nature of the choice.

a resolution that

Substitutes 'decision' with 'resolution', often implying a formal or official choice.

a conclusion that

Replaces 'decision' with 'conclusion', suggesting a choice made after deliberation or investigation.

an action that

Substitutes 'decision' with 'action', focusing on the practical steps taken as a result of the decision.

a step that

Replaces 'decision' with 'step', framing the choice as part of a progression or process.

a move that

Substitutes 'decision' with 'move', usually implying a strategic or tactical choice.

an election that

Replaces 'decision' with 'election', highlighting the selective nature of the choice.

FAQs

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

Use "a decision that" to introduce a clause that describes or explains the decision's impact, nature, or reason. For example, "It was "a decision that changed his life"" or "This is "a decision that is exclusively in Apple's court"".

What phrases are similar to "a decision that"?

Similar phrases include "a choice which", "an option that", or "a judgment that". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to include a 'that' clause after "a decision"?

While not strictly required, including a 'that' clause after "a decision" provides more context and makes your writing more informative. Omitting it can sometimes make the sentence less clear.

Which is more formal, "a decision that" or an alternative phrasing?

The formality of "a decision that" depends on the surrounding language. More formal alternatives might involve using stronger verbs or more precise vocabulary, but "a decision that" itself is suitable for many contexts.