behind the decision

USAGE SUMMARY

'behind the decision' is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you might write: "It is unclear what forces are behind the decision to raise taxes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The FSB is behind the decision.

The Guardian

This growing expense is understood to be behind the decision.

Independent

Two reasons lie behind the decision to get tough now.

The Economist

Hugh Herr explains the scientific evidence behind the decision.

MIT Technology Review

2 What's the need or want behind the decision?

The Washington Post

The exact reasoning behind the decision was not reported.

The New York Times

You can understand the commercial logic behind the decision.

The Guardian - Music

There's doubtless something else behind the decision, however.

The Guardian - Tech

There was a bit of a history behind the decision.

The New York Times - Sports

The family must appear united behind the decision.

The New York Times

What's the calculus behind the decision to support or not support a major political party?

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "behind the decision", ensure you clearly articulate what decision you are referring to, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "behind the decision" without specifying which decision is being discussed. Be specific to provide context and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behind the decision" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to indicate the underlying reasons, motivations, or influences that led to a particular decision. Ludwig's examples showcase diverse scenarios where the phrase clarifies the context surrounding choices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "behind the decision" is a versatile and commonly used expression to explore the reasons or motivations for a specific choice. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, including news media, science, and academic writing. Its prevalence underscores its usefulness in providing context and explaining complex decision-making processes. Related phrases, such as "rationale for the decision" or "driving force for the decision", offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings. Using this phrase effectively involves clearly specifying which decision is being referenced to avoid ambiguity. The diverse range of sources citing "behind the decision" speaks to its widespread acceptance and applicability in formal and informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasons for the decision

Emphasizes the multiple factors or causes that contributed to the decision.

thinking behind the decision

Emphasizes the thought process and considerations that shaped the decision.

rationale for the decision

Focuses specifically on the logical reasoning or justification behind the decision.

motivation for the decision

Highlights the underlying needs, desires, or incentives that prompted the decision.

considerations in the decision

Focuses on the various factors that were taken into account when making the decision.

influences on the decision

Focuses on the external factors or people that impacted the decision-making process.

basis for the decision

Highlights the fundamental principles or information upon which the decision was made.

factors contributing to the decision

Highlights the various elements that played a role in leading to the decision.

driving force for the decision

Highlights the main factor or influence that prompted the decision.

the why of the decision

Simplifies the inquiry to the core purpose or reason for the decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "behind the decision" to discuss the reasons or motivations for a particular choice. For example, "The company's financial struggles were /s/driving+force+for+the+decision".

What's another way to say "behind the decision"?

Alternatives include "/s/rationale+for+the+decision" or "/s/reasons+for+the+decision", both of which convey the same general idea.

Is it better to say "reason for the decision" or "reasons behind the decision"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "reasons /s/behind+the+decision" implies a more in-depth exploration of the various factors involved.

What kind of factors are typically "behind the decision"?

Factors can be anything from financial pressures and strategic goals to personal beliefs and external influences. It depends on the specific context of the decision.