a decisive move

USAGE SUMMARY

'a decisive move' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe an action that is seen as having an especially strong impact on achieving a goal. For example: The CEO made a decisive move to restructure the company's management team, allowing them to become more competitive in the industry.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Bonin's 32... a6 was a decisive move.

The New York Times

American officials have pushed for a decisive move by the Arab League.

The New York Times

But they have only 17 seconds, so as yet this is not a decisive move.

The Guardian - Sport

They also made a decisive move away from conventional rock instruments to new-fangled synthesizer technology.

The Guardian - Music

The Chinese media had been primed to expect a decisive move away from business as usual.

The Guardian

A decisive move in any direction would endanger America; at this stage, stalemate is the only viable policy option left.

The New York Times

But many abolitionists saw Lincoln's ploy for what it was: a decisive move toward their own position.

The New York Times

But after its punch-card ballots threw the 2000 presidential election into chaos, the state made a decisive move.

The Economist

It makes a decisive move against a means-tested welfare state that both Thatcher and Gordon Brown erected.

The Guardian

It is not too late to address these issues but it is time that European governments make a decisive move.

The Guardian - Opinion

But he will realise that they are tiptoeing around each other on this one and a decisive move will have to be made soon.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "a decisive move" with verbs that convey action and impact, such as 'make', 'take', 'implement', or 'enact', to strengthen the message.

Common error

While "a decisive move" is generally acceptable, overuse in casual conversation can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler, more direct language in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decisive move" functions as a noun phrase, where "decisive" modifies the noun "move". It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing an action or decision characterized by its significance and impact, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decisive move" is a noun phrase that describes a significant action or decision with considerable impact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, the phrase is best suited for emphasizing the importance of an action and may sound overly formal in casual conversation. Alternatives such as "critical action" or "bold step" can provide nuanced substitutions depending on the desired emphasis. The phrase is generally neutral in register and widely accepted in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a critical action

Emphasizes the importance and necessity of the action.

a game-changing decision

Highlights the potential for the decision to alter the course of events significantly.

a strategic maneuver

Suggests a planned and calculated action aimed at achieving a specific goal.

a bold step

Implies courage and risk-taking in the action.

a significant intervention

Indicates an action that interrupts or changes an existing situation.

a turning point

Focuses on the action as marking a shift or change in direction.

an impactful measure

Stresses the effect or consequence of the action.

a determined effort

Highlights the resolve and dedication behind the action.

a consequential step

Focuses on the importance and potential results of the action.

a fundamental shift

Suggests a basic and important change of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decisive move" to describe an action or decision that has a significant impact. For example, "The company made "a decisive move" by investing in new technology."

What's a similar phrase to "a decisive move"?

Alternatives include "a critical action", "a strategic maneuver", or "a bold step". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a decisive move" formal or informal?

"A decisive move" is suitable for both neutral and formal writing. In informal settings, simpler language may be preferable.

What's the difference between "a decisive move" and "a bold move"?

"A decisive move" emphasizes the impact and significance of an action, while "a bold move" highlights the courage and risk involved. They both can have similar meaning depending on the context.