abrupt decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abrupt decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decision made suddenly and without careful consideration. Example: "The board made an abrupt decision to change the company's direction, leaving many employees in shock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Brookfield's abrupt decision to call off the cleanup seemed to frustrate Mr. Bloomberg.

The New York Times

Mr. Daley said that Ms. Harris's abrupt decision tonight "violated the spirit" of Judge Lewis's ruling.

The New York Times

We understand the government's concern over the heatwave but this abrupt decision will definitely affect us".

The Guardian

Obama hopes that his abrupt decision to protect young immigrants will improve his odds with Latino voters.

The Guardian - Opinion

When I wrote it my wife and I had just taken a rather abrupt decision to move to the States.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Kerkorian's abrupt decision to back away from Ford comes just six months after he began building his stake.

The New York Times

Mr. Fox said he was unaware of any health or personal reasons behind the abrupt decision by Mr. McDonald, who had worked at the company for 33 years.

The New York Times

The country's innate centrifugal forces have been strengthened by the abrupt decision, in 1999, to devolve political power from Java to the provinces.

The New Yorker

Fox's abrupt decision in April to do a shortened final season has necessitated storytelling leaps that are drastic even by "Fringe" standards.

The New York Times - Arts

An abrupt decision by the Gore campaign asking Mrs. Lieberman to nominate her husband, Joseph, as vice president at the convention has thrown her small staff into turmoil.

The New York Times

The abrupt decision by Netanyahu to cancel a visit to Washington later this month surprised US officials, who said they learned of the cancellation via the media.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an "abrupt decision", consider clarifying the reasons behind the suddenness or the context in which it was made to provide a clearer picture for the reader.

Common error

Avoid assuming that an "abrupt decision" is inherently negative; its impact depends on the situation. Sometimes, a swift choice is necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abrupt decision" functions as a noun phrase, where "abrupt" modifies the noun "decision". Ludwig AI states that this construction describes a choice made suddenly and without careful consideration. Examples demonstrate its use in reporting unexpected actions in news and business contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "abrupt decision" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a decision made swiftly and often unexpectedly. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively communicates a sense of immediacy and potential lack of deliberation. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as formal business contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for a broad audience. While it's important not to assume that an abrupt decision is inherently negative, providing context regarding the reasons behind the decision's suddenness can enhance clarity and understanding. Alternatives like "sudden resolution" or "hasty determination" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sudden resolution

Replaces "decision" with "resolution", highlighting the firmness of the decision.

hasty determination

Uses "hasty" instead of "abrupt" to emphasize the speed and lack of deliberation, also replaces decision with determination.

precipitous choice

Emphasizes the sudden and potentially rash nature of the decision by using "precipitous" and replaces decision with choice.

unforeseen determination

Highlights the unexpected nature of the decision.

impulsive judgement

Stresses the lack of forethought by using "impulsive" and replaces decision with judgement.

snap conclusion

Indicates a quick and immediate decision.

rash call

Emphasizes the potential risks associated with the hurried decision.

immediate ruling

Focuses on the speed and authority of the decision, using ruling instead of decision.

uncharacteristic determination

Highlights the deviation from the norm by using "uncharacteristic" and replaces decision with determination.

spur-of-the-moment choice

Emphasizes the spontaneity and lack of planning in making the decision and replaces decision with choice.

FAQs

What are the implications of an "abrupt decision"?

An "abrupt decision" often suggests a lack of careful consideration, potentially leading to unforeseen consequences. However, it can also indicate decisiveness in a time-sensitive situation.

How can I describe the reasons behind an "abrupt decision"?

Provide context by explaining the circumstances that led to the suddenness of the choice. Terms like “due to” or “because of” can introduce these explanations.

What can I say instead of "abrupt decision"?

You can use alternatives like "sudden resolution", "hasty determination", or "precipitous choice" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between an "abrupt decision" and a "careful decision"?

Yes, an "abrupt decision" implies a lack of thorough consideration, while a "careful decision" suggests deliberate thought and planning. They represent opposite approaches to decision-making.