Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

a decision was made that

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decision was made that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a choice or conclusion has been reached regarding a particular matter or situation. Example: "After much deliberation, a decision was made that the project would proceed as planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Patients did, however, generally report that they wished to discuss FPP-related issues with their specialist physician (ie, rheumatologist or gastroenterologist) every time a decision was made that could impact on their FPP.

Science

BMJ Open

A decision was made that the new charge should be highly visible.

News & Media

The Economist

A decision was made that the gift would not come from Saif directly but from "private sector sources".

News & Media

The Guardian

"A lot of constituents and I are very unhappy that a decision was made that trainees could go off the base unescorted," said Lansley.

News & Media

The Guardian

The evidence was reconsidered by CPS South West and a decision was made that under the code for crown prosecutors, a prosecution for murder was still appropriate.

News & Media

The Guardian

"What happened this morning," he said, "was that in the heat of battle a decision was made that erred more on the side of caution.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

But there is — or should be — nothing more public than the "presidential space" where a decision is made that will send thousands to their deaths.

News & Media

The New Yorker

The survey revealed patients prefer to discuss these issues in the context of their disease and treatment whenever a decision is made that could have an impact on their family planning or ability to become pregnant (figure 3A).

Science

BMJ Open

You can be a facilitator, ensuring that everyone's opinion is heard, and that a decision is made that is satisfactory to everyone involved.

This was evident in the opening page of the drama, when a tactical decision was made that had strategic implications.

Once a decision is made that a context becomes a zone of exception, certain actors within this zone are considered enemies and will be treated outside accepted norms.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a decision was made that", ensure the sentence clearly indicates who made the decision and the reasoning behind it for greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a decision was made that" without specifying who made the decision. This can create ambiguity and weaken the impact of your statement. Instead, clearly state the actor who made the decision.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decision was made that" functions as a clause introduction, indicating that a specific choice or resolution has been determined. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically correct and frequently used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a decision was made that" serves to introduce a clause that explains a conclusion or choice that has been reached. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse sources and registers, including news, scientific publications, and general-purpose websites. While appropriate for formal contexts, writers should ensure the sentence clearly indicates the decision maker to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "it was decided that" may also be used depending on desired nuance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a decision was made that" to sound more active?

You can use alternatives like "it was decided that" or "the team concluded that" to give the sentence a more active voice and clearly identify who made the decision.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "a decision was made that"?

While grammatically correct, "a decision was made that" is passive. Using the active voice, such as "the committee decided that", often makes your writing more direct and easier to understand.

What's the difference between "a decision was made that" and "it was decided that"?

Both phrases are similar, but "it was decided that" is slightly more direct. "A decision was made that" can sometimes sound more formal or bureaucratic.

When is it appropriate to use "a decision was made that" in formal writing?

The phrase is suitable for formal writing when you want to emphasize the fact that a decision occurred, without necessarily highlighting who made it. However, clarity is always paramount, so ensure the context makes the decision-maker clear.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: