came to decide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "came to decide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a process of reaching a conclusion or making a decision after some consideration or deliberation. Example: "After much discussion and reflection, we finally came to decide on the best course of action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

& how he came to decide to play jazz.

The New Yorker

The occasion lived for me with such intensity that I came to decide it was true.

The New Yorker

As my colleague Lizette Alvarez reported, that juror told CNN's Anderson Cooper Monday night how she came to decide that Mr. Zimmerman was not guilty in the shooting of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed teenager.

The New York Times

"This was not going to be 'here's another dying Rust Belt city,' " he told me this week, as he described how he came to decide on this particular diner in this particular city.

The New York Times

It would be an irony if, after working so hard to overcome European hostility to their joining the club, the Turks themselves came to decide that the rules were too onerous but it is not impossible to imagine.

The Economist

Yet one wonders how Paley came to decide that the fictional imagination, which loves digression, inconsistency, and the beauty of the trivial, could no longer help her say what she wanted to about the world.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

When it came to deciding who was going to speak next, Clegg was definitely the keener.

The Guardian

Even when it came to deciding Twitter was a complete waste of time, he was in the vanguard.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said that some opposition parties had shown a "breathtaking short-sightedness" when it came to deciding on whether to support Greece.

The New York Times

He did not think journalists ought to be accountable to politicians when it came to deciding how the corporation covered politics.

BBC

So when it came to deciding on a date for her senior prom, Nguyen knew exactly who to ask.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "came to decide" to emphasize the process of reaching a decision over time, rather than a spontaneous choice. It's particularly effective when highlighting a shift in perspective or a gradual conclusion.

Common error

Avoid using "came to decide" when a simpler verb like "decided" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or convoluted in straightforward contexts. For instance, instead of writing "He came to decide to go to the store", simply write "He decided to go to the store".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "came to decide" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of reaching a decision. It highlights the progression or the journey of thought leading to a conclusion, rather than a spontaneous choice. As Ludwig shows, this phrase is commonly used in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "came to decide" is a verb phrase that effectively conveys the process of reaching a decision after a period of consideration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly employed across diverse reputable sources like the New York Times and BBC, particularly in news and scientific contexts. While versatile, it is best used when emphasizing the journey toward a decision, and writers should avoid overuse in contexts where a simpler term like "decided" would suffice. Understanding its nuances and appropriate usage will enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decided

This is a direct synonym, omitting the 'came to' phrasing for a more concise expression.

resolved

Implies a firmer decision, often after some debate or struggle.

concluded

Suggests a decision based on reasoning or evidence.

determined

Emphasizes the firmness and resoluteness of the decision.

reached a decision

A more formal and explicit way of stating the act of deciding.

made up one's mind

An idiomatic expression indicating a firm decision.

opted

Suggests a choice between multiple options.

settled on

Implies a final choice after considering alternatives.

chose

A simple and direct synonym for selecting a course of action.

arrived at a decision

Similar to "reached a decision" but emphasizes the process.

FAQs

What does "came to decide" mean?

The phrase "came to decide" indicates a process of arriving at a decision or conclusion after a period of consideration, thought, or experience. It implies a gradual shift towards a particular viewpoint or choice.

How can I use "came to decide" in a sentence?

You can use "came to decide" to describe a process of making up your mind. For example, "After considering all the options, she "came to decide" to accept the job offer."

What are some alternatives to "came to decide"?

Alternatives include "decided", "concluded", "resolved", or "reached a decision". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "came to the decision" or "came to decide"?

"Came to the decision" is grammatically correct, but less common and often less direct than "came to decide." "Came to decide" emphasizes the act of making a decision, while "came to the decision" emphasizes the decision itself. Depending on the context, both could be suitable.