a decisive consideration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decisive consideration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an important factor or element that influences a decision or outcome. Example: "In evaluating the proposal, cost was a decisive consideration that ultimately swayed the committee's decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

While this is rarely a problem in the case of modern skyscrapers, which usually have foundations extending to rock and deep basements often extending below the tunnel, it can be a decisive consideration in the presence of moderate-height buildings, whose foundations are usually shallow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If case of doubt about whether or not to start or continue treatment, the patient's wish could be a decisive consideration.

BMC Palliative Care

The fact that choosing to have a taller child may also contribute to social and environmental costs of the sort mentioned above is unlikely to be a decisive consideration for parents motivated solely by the wellbeing of their future child, since most of those costs will be borne by others.

Bioethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That is a natural concern, but it ought not to be the decisive consideration for a leader who is expected to place the interests of the country above all else.

The New York Times

Yet perhaps the most decisive consideration throughout for Mr Zapatero was the cries of "Don't fail us!" rising from the crowds of young voters in Madrid after the election.

The Economist

This then functions as the decisive consideration for the conclusion that God must exist.

SEP

The decisive consideration is that the strand bias occurs throughout the genome, which argues in favour of a genome wide process such as DNA replication as being the direct cause.

BMC Genomics

The decisive considerations are too variable, too much distinctions of degree, too dependent in last analysis upon a common sense estimate of fairness or of facilities of proof, to be crowded into a formula.

Cornell University

The decisive considerations were the wish to outsmart the French in the postwar Levant, and to use Palestine's strategic location to protect Egypt, the Suez canal and the route to India by creating "a loyal Jewish Ulster", in the words of Ronald Storrs, the first British military governor of Jerusalem.

The Guardian

She made a decisive decision.

Huffington Post

A decisive influence on the consideration of hubs within logistics modules is the properties of shipments (e.g., commodity, shipment size).

European Transport Research Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a decisive consideration", ensure the context clearly identifies whose decision is being influenced and what the potential outcomes are. This provides clarity and strengthens the argument being made.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a decisive consideration" as the only factor when multiple influences are at play. Acknowledge other contributing elements for a more nuanced and credible analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decisive consideration" functions as a noun phrase, where 'decisive' modifies 'consideration', indicating a significant factor influencing a decision or outcome. As shown by Ludwig, this construction is used to identify an element of paramount importance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decisive consideration" is a noun phrase used to highlight a key factor that significantly influences a decision or outcome. As Ludwig AI points out, it is considered grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing, academic papers, and professional reports. While alternatives like ""a critical factor"" or ""a key element"" exist, "a decisive consideration" specifically conveys that the factor is the ultimate determining point. Though the phrase is grammatically sound, remember not to overstate its decisiveness by acknowledging other influencing factors as well. This ensures a balanced and credible analysis. The phrase is predominantly found within scientific, news and media, and encyclopedia contexts, as showcased by Ludwig's examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A critical factor

Replaces 'decisive' with 'critical', emphasizing the importance of the factor.

A crucial aspect

Emphasizes that the factor is essential for success or understanding.

A key element

Substitutes 'consideration' with 'element', focusing on the essential nature of the factor.

A pivotal element

Stresses that the factor is vital and could change the course of events.

A significant point

Replaces 'consideration' with 'point', highlighting its relevance in the context.

A major influence

Shifts the focus to the impact of the factor rather than its consideration.

An overriding concern

Indicates the factor takes precedence over others.

A determining variable

Highlights the factor's role in defining the outcome.

The most important thing

Simplifies the expression to emphasize the ultimate importance.

A central tenet

Highlights that the factor is a core principle or belief.

FAQs

How can I use "a decisive consideration" in a sentence?

Use "a decisive consideration" to highlight a factor that significantly influences a decision or outcome. For example, "Cost was "a decisive consideration" in choosing the vendor."

What's an alternative to "a decisive consideration"?

Alternatives include "a critical factor", "a key element", or "a major influence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "a decisive consideration"?

The phrase is appropriate in formal writing, academic papers, and professional reports where a significant influencing factor needs to be identified. It is commonly used when assessing options and making reasoned judgements.

Is "a decisive consideration" the same as "an important factor"?

While similar, "a decisive consideration" implies a stronger influence than "an important factor". "A decisive consideration" suggests the factor is the ultimate determining point, whereas "an important factor" is simply a significant element among others.