a decisive yes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a decisive yes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong and clear agreement or affirmation in various contexts, such as decision-making or approval. Example: "After much deliberation, the committee gave a decisive yes to the proposed changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The answer is a decisive "yes".

The Economist

The referendum's in the balance, but the show earns a decisive "yes".

The Guardian

The answer to the question of whether history has been improving is surely a decisive yes and no.

The Guardian - Books

"There is going to be a decisive yes vote next week and there is nothing I think that David Cameron can now do.

The Guardian

They choose a decisive yes or no.

The New York Times

Salmond appeared to be even more bullish about the prospect of a yes result by the time he reached Perth yesterday evening, predicting that there would be a "decisive yes vote" next week.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Jim Kilts, former Gillette CEO, characterized himself as "often wrong, never uncertain". Decisive yes, but also ready to be swayed by new information to change direction.

Harvard Business Review

The polite approach of London Citizens has so far yielded muffled responses, but the issue will be raised at a November board meeting: if there is no decisive yes, expect the gloves to come off, and more direct action, including a shoppers' boycott.

The Guardian - Opinion

She made a decisive decision.

Huffington Post

A: Yes, yes.

Columbia University

His feet hurt, but his knees hurt more... It's a decisive struggle: shift the weight, yes or no, distribute the pain, yes or no.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a decisive yes" when you want to emphasize the strength and clarity of an affirmative response, especially in situations where there might have been doubt or hesitation.

Common error

Avoid using "a decisive yes" in very casual conversations. Simpler affirmations like "yes", "absolutely", or "definitely" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a decisive yes" functions as a noun phrase that signifies a strong and unequivocal affirmation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used to express clear agreement. Examples show its use in contexts where a firm decision or confirmation is needed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a decisive yes" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express strong and clear agreement. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its proper usage and prevalence in contexts where an unequivocal answer is needed. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it conveys a sense of certainty and finality, making it suitable for scenarios requiring a firm decision. When writing, ensure the context aligns with the phrase's relatively formal tone, and consider simpler alternatives like "yes" or "absolutely" for casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a certain yes

Changes "decisive" to "certain", implying a confident and unwavering agreement.

a clear affirmative

Substitutes "decisive" with "clear" and "yes" with "affirmative", offering a slightly more formal tone.

an unequivocal affirmation

Replaces "yes" with a more formal noun, and "decisive" with a stronger adjective.

a firm approval

Replaces "yes" with "approval" and "decisive" with "firm", denoting a strong and resolute endorsement.

an emphatic agreement

Changes "yes" to "agreement" and "decisive" to "emphatic", emphasizing the strength of the assent.

a conclusive assent

Replaces "decisive" with "conclusive" and "yes" with "assent", giving a more formal and final tone.

a resounding confirmation

Substitutes "decisive" with "resounding" and "yes" with "confirmation", indicating widespread and strong support.

an unqualified endorsement

Replaces "yes" with "endorsement" and "decisive" with "unqualified", emphasizing the lack of conditions or limitations in the support.

without reservation

This phrase conveys a lack of doubt or hesitation, implying a complete and unconditional agreement, differing from the structure of the original phrase.

absolutely

This single word expresses the sentiment of complete and unwavering agreement found in "a decisive yes", but is much shorter.

FAQs

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

You can use "a decisive yes" to express strong agreement or approval, such as: "The committee gave "a decisive yes" to the proposal after careful consideration."

What can I say instead of "a decisive yes"?

You can use alternatives like "an unequivocal affirmation", "a clear affirmative", or "an emphatic agreement" depending on the context.

Is "a decisive yes" formal or informal?

"A decisive yes" is generally considered more formal than a simple "yes", but less formal than "an unqualified endorsement". Its appropriateness depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "a decisive yes" and "a definite yes"?

While both express agreement, "a decisive yes" implies a firmer, more determined agreement, suggesting a conclusion has been reached, whereas "a definite yes" simply indicates certainty.