a one-off decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a one-off decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decision that is made only once and is not intended to be repeated in the future. Example: "The board made a one-off decision to allocate additional funds for the project, which was not expected to happen again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

What differentiates Safari Reader from the likes of Adblock Plus, if Wired's Epicenter blog has it right, is that you have to press the button each time you want to make those annoying/revenue-critical "distractions" disappear, on each new page, rather than making a one-off decision to banish ads.

The Guardian

In public appearances, Antonin Scalia, a member of the majority in Bush v. Gore, regularly offers this message to people who question him about the decision: "Get over it!" Even at the time, Bush v. Gore was treated as a kind of novelty item, a one-off decision that applied only to the peculiar facts then before the Justices.

The New Yorker

This approach to withdrawal fits with the notion that consent should be considered to be the initiation of a partnership between researcher and participant, rather than a one-off decision at a single point in time.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Listening in the U.S. was a popular option for Chinese tech companies last year, so it will interesting to see if Qihoo 360's move is a canary in the coal mine moment, or a one-off decision from a company that has struggled to manage its image outside of home turf.

TechCrunch

Both Chinese firms are waiting for the government panel's decision and CFIUS experts see the Ralls case as a one-off decision.

Huffington Post

Speaking in the court, Alito said it was not clear whether this was a "one-off" decision that will have no lasting impact or the beginning of a significant shift in favor of affirmative action.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Nick Poyntz-Wrigheadhead of life insurance at the FSA, said: "An annuity purchase is an important one-off decision that has long-term consequences for individuals if they get it wrong.

The Guardian - Money

IT made a series of one-off decisions until about 2008, looking at individual solutions.

Forbes

The Cloudflare CEO said he is aware that there's no right answer in this situation, and he's hopeful that the reaction to his company's move — and the moves of other key internet stakeholders — can kick-start a debate on how to manage cases of hate speech and other abhorrent content on the internet using a system rather than one-off decisions.

TechCrunch

It is easy to make one-off decisions and it doesn't really matter what happens in this Test match.

Independent

The measure seems likely to join the list of one-off decisions that turn out to be permanent, says Robert Chote, director of the IFS.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a one-off decision" to clearly communicate that a specific decision is not part of an ongoing process or policy, ensuring there's no expectation of similar decisions in the future. For example, "The company made a one-off decision to offer bonuses this year, but it's not an annual event."

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a one-off decision" is inherently temporary. While it's intended to be singular, clearly communicate its duration if it has any lasting effects. Failing to do so can lead to misunderstandings or unintended consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a one-off decision" functions as a noun phrase describing a decision that is made only once. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, as showcased by various examples in diverse contexts. It emphasizes the non-recurring nature of the decision.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a one-off decision" is a noun phrase used to describe a decision made only once, without the intention of repetition. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and illustrates its use in various contexts, including news, science, and business. While generally neutral in tone, its meaning is precise: it signifies a unique action, distinct from ongoing processes. Related phrases include ""a one-time decision"" and ""an isolated decision"". A key writing tip is to clarify the duration or impact of the decision to avoid misunderstandings, as this is intended for a single event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a one-time decision

Similar to "a one-off decision" but slightly more formal.

a singular decision

Highlights the uniqueness of the decision.

a unique decision

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the decision.

an isolated decision

Focuses on the separation and lack of connection to other decisions.

a non-recurring decision

Stresses that the decision will not happen again.

a single decision

Underscores that only one decision was made.

a solitary decision

Highlights the independent and isolated nature of the decision.

an exceptional decision

Suggests the decision is unusual and not typical.

a discrete decision

Emphasizes that the decision is separate and distinct from others.

an unprecedented decision

Implies the decision has no prior example or parallel.

FAQs

How can I use "a one-off decision" in a sentence?

You can use "a one-off decision" to describe a decision that is made only once and is not intended to be repeated. For example, "The committee made "a one-off decision" to approve the funding request."

What's a good alternative to "a one-off decision"?

Alternatives to "a one-off decision" include "a one-time decision", "a singular decision", or "an isolated decision". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a one-off decision" formal or informal?

"A one-off decision" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, you might prefer "a one-time decision".

What's the difference between "a one-off decision" and "a temporary decision"?

"A one-off decision" implies the decision is made only once and not intended to be repeated, while "a temporary decision" suggests the decision is in effect for a limited time but could be revisited or changed later. A temporary decision isn't necessarily "a one-off", it could be a temporary measure to an ongoing event or an ever changing temporary situation.