affirm the decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "affirm the decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express support or confirmation of a particular choice or conclusion that has been made. Example: "After careful consideration, the committee decided to affirm the decision to proceed with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

On this record I would affirm the decision of the Court of Appeals.

Cornell University

If the Court were to affirm the decision below, the costs and uncertainty imposed by inconsistent state marriage laws will only continue.

The Economist

Michael Newdow, appearing pro se, without counsel, will urge the court to affirm the decision to which a vast majority of us object.

The New York Times

We therefore find that Greyhound's argument on this issue is without merit, and we affirm the decision of the Court of Appeals as to the liability of Greyhound.

Harvard University

I would affirm the decision of the District Court, without prejudice, if other factors permit, to re-indictment within the limits of the original charge.

Cornell University

If Kenya successfully leaves the ICC then an international trial of Ruto and Kenyatta that appears to be politically motivated or ineffectively conducted will simply affirm the decision to reject the jurisdiction of the court in Kenya's future.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

We therefore affirm the decisions below.

Cornell University

As a general matter, the justices are more likely to reverse than affirm the decisions they review.

The New York Times

The court should affirm the decisions of the lower courts and order Mr. Cheney to disclose the names of the participants.

The New York Times

I'm not in the business of predicting what any of the justices will do but we are very hopeful that they will affirm the decisions of the courts below".

The Guardian

Minton stated on several occasions his personal preference to affirm the decisions of the lower courts.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "affirm the decision" in legal or formal contexts, ensure the decision being affirmed is clearly identified and the basis for affirmation is well-supported.

Common error

Avoid using "affirm the decision" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "agree with the decision" or "support the choice" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "affirm the decision" functions as a verb phrase. It typically involves a subject (often a court, committee, or individual) performing the action of confirming or upholding a previously made decision. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

41.66%

News & Media

50%

Wiki

8.34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "affirm the decision" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate the act of confirming or upholding a previously made decision. As Ludwig points out, its usage is versatile, spanning across academic, news, and wiki contexts. While semantically similar alternatives like "uphold the ruling" or "endorse the conclusion" exist, "affirm the decision" carries a particular weight, often implying a formal or official endorsement. It's important to use this phrase judiciously, recognizing that it might be less suitable for casual or informal settings. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Cornell University underscores its legitimacy and utility in formal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uphold the ruling

Focuses specifically on maintaining a judicial decision.

validate the judgment

Emphasizes the act of confirming the correctness or soundness of a judgment.

endorse the conclusion

Implies active support and approval of a concluded outcome.

ratify the resolution

Suggests formal approval, often in organizational or political settings.

sustain the verdict

Specifically related to maintaining a decision made by a jury.

confirm the determination

Highlights the act of verifying and establishing a decision firmly.

approve the resolution

Expresses formal agreement and authorization of a decision.

support the adjudication

Indicates backing for a decision-making process or the result thereof.

stand by the decision

Suggests maintaining support for a decision, especially in the face of opposition.

declare the decision valid

Focuses on making a formal statement about the legitimacy of a decision.

FAQs

How can I use "affirm the decision" in a sentence?

You can use "affirm the decision" to indicate agreement or confirmation of a previous decision. For example: "The appeals court decided to "affirm the decision" of the lower court."

What's the difference between "affirm the decision" and "support the decision"?

"Affirm the decision" often carries a more formal or legal tone, implying an official endorsement. "Support the decision" is more general and can indicate a personal agreement or approval without necessarily being an official action.

What are some alternatives to "affirm the decision"?

Some alternatives include "uphold the ruling", "validate the judgment", or "endorse the conclusion", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "affirm the decision" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, "affirm the decision" is appropriate for academic writing, especially when discussing legal cases, policy evaluations, or research findings where a previous conclusion is being supported or validated.