a simple decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a simple decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a choice that is easy to make or does not require much thought. Example: "Choosing between coffee or tea in the morning is usually a simple decision for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's a simple decision.

The Guardian

IT LOOKS like a simple decision.

The Economist

This was not a simple decision.

Independent

So we made a simple decision.

The Guardian

"But it's not a simple decision.

The New York Times - Sports

They are the complicated side effects of a simple decision.

The New York Times

It was a simple decision and it wasn't given.

The Guardian - Sport

In our case, it was a simple decision.

The Guardian

It was a simple decision: "Either you are or you aren't".

The New Yorker

It is not a simple decision, but it is the correct one.

The Guardian - Sport

"It was a simple decision," said Bo Puffer, Nascar truck manager for Dodge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a choice as "a simple decision", ensure the context clearly supports this characterization. Overusing it can undermine the significance of certain choices.

Common error

Avoid labeling high-stakes choices as "a simple decision" if they involve significant consequences or require careful deliberation. This can diminish the perceived importance of the issue and potentially offend stakeholders.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a simple decision" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an act of choosing that is perceived as uncomplicated or straightforward. Ludwig AI, with its diverse examples, highlights how this phrase is used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a simple decision" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an uncomplicated choice or judgment. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase appears most frequently in news and media, and scientific contexts, suggesting a generally neutral register. However, it's crucial to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the complexity of the decision to avoid misrepresentation or offense. Alternatives such as "an easy choice" or "a straightforward decision" may provide more nuanced descriptions in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an easy choice

Replaces 'decision' with 'choice' and 'simple' with 'easy', emphasizing the lack of difficulty.

a straightforward decision

Substitutes 'simple' with 'straightforward', highlighting the direct and uncomplicated nature of the decision.

a clear-cut decision

Replaces 'simple' with 'clear-cut', indicating a decision with no ambiguity.

an uncomplicated decision

Replaces 'simple' with 'uncomplicated', focusing on the absence of complexity.

a basic decision

Uses 'basic' instead of 'simple', suggesting a fundamental and elementary decision.

a routine decision

Indicates that the decision is made frequently and is part of a regular process.

a painless decision

Highlights the ease and lack of negative consequences in making the decision.

a no-brainer decision

Implies the decision is so obvious it requires minimal thought.

an elementary decision

Stresses the fundamental nature of the decision, being at its core and easily understandable.

a manageable decision

Suggests the decision, even though simple, needs some sort of control or management.

FAQs

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

You can use "a simple decision" to describe a choice that is easy to make. For example, "Choosing what to eat for breakfast is often "a simple decision"".

What are some alternatives to "a simple decision"?

Alternatives include "an easy choice", "a straightforward decision", or "a clear-cut decision" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to describe a choice as "a simple decision"?

No, it's not. Describing a complex or impactful choice as "a simple decision" can minimize its importance and potential consequences. Ensure the decision genuinely warrants such a description.

What's the difference between "a simple decision" and "an easy choice"?

While similar, "a simple decision" often refers to a judgment call with few complicating factors, whereas "an easy choice" emphasizes the lack of difficulty in selecting from a range of options.