decide against

USAGE SUMMARY

"decide against" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when someone is making a decision where they choose not to go with certain options. For example: "After considering all of the potential outcomes, I decided against taking a risk on the investment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

IF YOU DECIDE AGAINST EXTRACTION Good dental hygiene will be even more important for you.

The New York Times - Health

I'd decide against it".

The New York Times

Perhaps most will decide against it.

The Economist

But it made her summer roommate decide against it.

The New York Times

He worried that the jury might decide against the band.

The Guardian - Music

It did not take him long to decide against.

The Guardian - Business

They have an iron bar; they decide against using it.

The Guardian

Stach adds that entrepreneurship training is valuable even for those who ultimately decide against startup life.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Ms. McGregor said 94 percent of women receiving ultrasounds decide against abortion.

The New York Times - Health

Perhaps it was this that made Cuomo decide against putting himself forward?

Independent

If both sides decide against being bloody-minded, the mood could brighten.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decide against" to clearly indicate a considered choice not to proceed with a specific option or action. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "decide against" when simply unaware or uninformed about something. "Decide against" implies a conscious evaluation and subsequent rejection, not mere ignorance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decide against" functions as a verb phrase indicating a conscious choice not to pursue a particular option or action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's used to express a deliberate decision based on prior consideration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

18%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decide against" is a versatile and grammatically correct verb phrase used to express a conscious choice to reject a particular option. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it signifies a deliberate decision based on evaluation. The phrase is commonly used across diverse contexts, including news media, academic research, and general communication. While suitable for formal writing, it is equally prevalent in neutral and informal settings. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a situation where a considered evaluation led to a clear rejection. Alternative phrases such as "choose not to", "opt out of", and "rule out" offer semantically similar options depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

choose not to

Directly expresses a preference for not doing something.

opt out of

Implies a formal choice to withdraw from something.

rule out

Suggests eliminating a possibility from consideration.

decline to

Formally refuse to do something.

reject the idea of

Indicates a dismissal of a plan or suggestion.

refrain from

Conveys consciously avoiding a particular action.

pass up on

Informally forego an opportunity.

abandon the plan to

Indicates stopping a previously intended course of action.

take a pass on

Suggests declining an offer or opportunity.

reconsider and dismiss

Highlights a change of heart leading to rejection.

FAQs

How can I use "decide against" in a sentence?

You can use "decide against" to express that you have considered an option but have chosen not to pursue it. For example: "After careful consideration, I "decide against" investing in that company."

What are some alternatives to "decide against"?

Alternatives include phrases like "choose not to", "opt out of", or "rule out" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "decide against" or "decide not to"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "decide against" often implies a more thorough consideration of the alternatives. "Decide not to" is a more general statement of intention.

What's the difference between "decide against" and "change my mind"?

"Decide against" suggests a deliberate initial consideration and subsequent rejection, while "change my mind" implies an initial decision followed by a later reversal. You might "decide against" something before committing, but you change your mind after a commitment.