a single decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to one specific choice or judgment made among multiple options. Example: "After much deliberation, I realized that a single decision could change the course of my life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thus a single decision point seems appropriate.

Harvard Business Review

"It wasn't a single decision," Mr. Rowse said, objecting mildly.

The New York Times

provides a single decision to award such grant and such loan.

Cornell University

Everybody is my friend because I have not made a single decision yet.

The New York Times - Magazine

Two related appeals are likely to be decided by a single decision.

The New York Times

Responsibility can not be given to a single decision maker, everyone needs to play their part.

The Guardian

A move to charge for content means not a single decision, but dozens.

The New York Times

But I don't think my grandfather ever questioned a single decision he made.

Independent

Can sustainability and adaptability be integrated in a single decision tool for designing future buildings?

Habitat International

Many approaches to decision support are driven by the perspective of a single decision maker.

Decision Support Systems

Edith later wrote that "I, myself, never made a single decision regarding the disposition of public affairs".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a single decision" when you want to emphasize that a particular choice or judgment is distinct and self-contained. This highlights its importance and impact, particularly when contrasting it with a series of related choices.

Common error

Avoid using "a single decision" when the situation involves a complex or multifaceted process. It can downplay the actual effort or considerations involved, potentially misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single decision" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a particular choice or judgment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single decision" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the importance or impact of a particular choice. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "one decision" or "a solitary decision" exist, they carry slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, remember to consider whether it accurately reflects the complexity of the decision-making process and to avoid overstating its simplicity. Its frequent presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Forbes highlights its reliability and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one decision

Slightly shorter and more direct.

a solitary decision

Emphasizes the isolation or uniqueness of the decision.

a unique decision

Highlights the distinct nature of the decision.

a single act of deciding

Focuses on the action of making a decision, rather than the decision itself.

a stand-alone decision

Implies that the decision is independent and not part of a larger series of decisions.

a definitive decision

Highlights the finality and conclusiveness of the decision.

an individual decision

Emphasizes that the decision is made by one person or entity.

a one-off decision

Suggests that the decision is made only once and is not repeated.

a discrete decision

Highlights the clear and separate nature of the decision.

a self-contained decision

Implies that the decision is complete and independent within itself.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single decision" to emphasize the impact of one particular choice, as in "A single decision can alter the course of your career."

What phrases are similar to "a single decision"?

Alternatives include "one decision", "a solitary decision", or "a unique decision", each with slight differences in emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "a single decision" instead of "multiple decisions"?

Use "a single decision" when referring to an isolated choice. Use "multiple decisions" when referring to a series of interconnected or related choices. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the individual impact or the cumulative effect.

Is there a difference between "a single decision" and "the only decision"?

"A single decision" refers to one choice among many possible choices, whereas "the only decision" implies that there was only one choice available.