a significant decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a significant decision' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a decision that has an important impact. For example, "The city council had to make a significant decision about how to manage the budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"Do you consider the decision . . . a significant decision by the Department of Homeland Security?" she asked.

The New Yorker

In 1949 a famous free-market economist made a significant decision.

The Guardian - Books

Affairs Law Rev. Pursuing an employment law claim is a significant decision.

Cornell University

Before the investigation was complete, officials at Army headquarters made a significant decision.

The New York Times

Mr. Lane hailed the ruling as "great — a significant decision" that would continue public access to other streams.

The New York Times

But nonetheless it's going to be treated as a significant decision and a significant phasing from one period to another.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Do we want to become a medium-sized country with no great influence or responsbility in the world, abandoning our international role, or do we want to be part of a much bigger entity with far-reaching international influence in which we would be a significant decision-maker?

The Guardian

There is rarely a single reason why a company takes a very significant decision.

BBC

A sample size of 37 patients per group was necessary to make a statistically significant decision using a two-sided Fisher's exact test.

Gut

I've got something that'll cheer you up.'" Williams quickly read the manuscript, and liked it, but the days have gone when an editor can make such a financially significant decision alone.

The Guardian - Books

Previous studies were limited by the use of convenience samples or not including an overall judgement of capacity for a clinically significant decision.

British Journal of Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a significant decision" when you want to emphasize the importance and potential impact of a specific choice or determination. This highlights its importance to the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant decision" for minor or routine choices. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant decision" functions as a noun phrase, with 'significant' acting as an adjective modifying the noun 'decision'. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

14%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant decision" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to highlight the importance and potential impact of a choice. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It is most frequently found in news and media, academic writing, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure that the decision truly warrants such emphasis and is not a minor or routine matter. Alternatives include "a critical choice" or "a pivotal resolution" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a critical choice

Replaces "significant decision" with alternative terms implying a crucial selection.

a momentous determination

Substitutes "significant decision" with words suggesting a historical or far-reaching impact.

a pivotal resolution

Replaces "significant decision" with vocabulary that indicates a turning point.

a crucial judgment

Alters "significant decision" to emphasize the critical nature of the assessment.

a consequential ruling

Changes "significant decision" to focus on the results or effects that will follow.

a vital conclusion

Replaces "significant decision" emphasizing its crucial or essential quality.

a major call

Offers a less formal way to express a significant decision.

an important choice

Uses more basic synonyms to convey the meaning of "significant decision".

a landmark verdict

Replaces "significant decision" with terms related to legal matters

a strategic move

Alters the phrase to highlight the planning or purpose behind the decision.

FAQs

What makes "a significant decision" different from an ordinary decision?

A "significant decision" implies that the choice has important consequences or implications. It suggests that the outcome of the decision will have a notable impact, unlike routine decisions with minimal effects.

How can I use "a significant decision" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe choices made by individuals, groups, or organizations. For example, "The board made "a significant decision" regarding the company's investment strategy."

What are some alternatives to "a significant decision"?

You can use alternatives like "a critical choice", "a pivotal resolution", or "an important choice" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a significant decision"?

Use "a significant decision" when the outcome of the decision has far-reaching effects or implications. It is fitting when describing choices that require careful consideration and have the potential to greatly influence future events or outcomes.