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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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are a decision

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are a decision" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be used in a context where a subject is being described as a type of decision, but it requires additional context to be meaningful. Example: "The options presented to us are a decision we must make carefully."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

For years ministers have maintained nurse staffing levels are a decision for individual hospitals.

News & Media

BBC

Chances are, a decision won't be made on the bill until late this fall or in 2007, say some experts.

News & Media

Forbes

10 14 Main components are a decision aid and a corresponding teaching module provided by diabetes educators who teach and support patients to understand risk information and to define a hierarchy of individual treatment goals.

Science

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

At the undergraduate level, two of the Wilson School courses with the highest enrollments are a decision-making class and a class on negotiation, both cross-listed with the psychology department and taught by behavioral scientists.

We thank you for giving shelter to Eritrean refugees abroad, but if you are a decision-maker we beg you to keep up the pressure on the Eritrean regime".

News & Media

The Guardian

DRACs also should be considered if you are a decision-maker at a small business or professional practice.

News & Media

Forbes

"It's a decision.

News & Media

The New York Times

This was a decision that I made".

It was a decision from both parts".

News & Media

Independent

"That's a decision for other people.

News & Media

Independent

It was a decision I deeply regret.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "are a decision" in formal writing. It is grammatically incorrect and can confuse your reader.

Common error

The phrase "are a decision" incorrectly uses the plural verb "are" with the singular noun "decision". Instead, use "is a decision" when referring to a singular decision.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

1.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are a decision" is grammatically incorrect. The verb "are" is plural and does not agree with the singular noun "decision". As Ludwig AI points out, while technically usable in certain contexts where a subject is described as a type of decision, it is rarely correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are a decision" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in both formal and informal writing. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase rarely conveys the intended meaning effectively. It incorrectly pairs a plural verb with a singular noun. Consider using alternatives such as "is a decision", "constitutes a decision", or "represents a decision" to ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity. Despite appearing in sources like BBC, Forbes and others, the phrase's incorrect grammar significantly diminishes its usability.

FAQs

What's the correct way to phrase something related to making a decision?

Instead of using the grammatically incorrect phrase "are a decision", opt for phrases like "is a decision", "represents a decision", or "constitutes a decision" depending on the intended meaning.

How can I use the phrase "constitutes a decision" in a sentence?

You could say, "Choosing to remain silent "constitutes a decision" in itself", highlighting that inaction can also be a form of deciding.

What alternatives can I use if I want to emphasize that something leads to a decision?

Consider using phrases like "results in a decision" or "entails a decision". For example, "Insufficient data "results in a decision" based on assumptions".

Is there a difference between "represents a decision" and "is a decision"?

"Is a decision" directly states something is a decision. "Represents a decision" implies something symbolizes or embodies a decision, rather than being the decision itself. Using proper grammar is key, as "are a decision" is incorrect.

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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

1.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: