decide definitively

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decide definitively" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the act of making a final and clear decision on a matter. Example: "After much deliberation, we were finally able to decide definitively on the location for the conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The commission recommended that the United States overcome a legacy in which the two countries have been "allies of convenience" and decide definitively whether to back General Musharraf.

The New York Times

Dr Calkins's observations are not enough to decide definitively between these possibilities, but they suggest that remnant vulcanism is the most likely.

The Economist

He said Cameron's draft bill, which is likely to be tabled by a backbencher as a private member's bill, would "entrench" the party's commitment to holding a vote in 2017 and force the other parties "to decide definitively their position".

The Guardian

Apart from Mr Huntsman himself, who says he will decide definitively whether to run next month, there are now only two possible entrants of any stature still on the sidelines: Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann.

The Economist

Maryland may not decide definitively either party's 2016 Presidential choice, but it will be important, not the least in establishing the momentum the leading candidates will carry into their respective conventions and by likely determining who will succeed the retiring Senator Barbara Mikulski.

Huffington Post

4 Key issues are when doctors do, and should, decide definitively about their choice of specialty.

British Medical Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But he decided definitively yesterday to fight for stronger sanctions.

The New York Times

In 1892 the Supreme Court decided definitively in favour of Glidden's patent.

The Economist

But Mr. Heyward cautioned against concluding that the network had decided definitively that it would not retain Mr. Gumbel.

The New York Times

Texas officials quickly said they would appeal the decision to the Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, in New Orleans, and Judge Yeakel said that "at the end of the day, these issues are going to be decided definitively not by this court, but by either the Circuit or the Supreme Court of the United States".

The New York Times

Meyer may not have caught BAE doing anything illicit, but he does seem to have had a close-up glimpse of how our policies in Afghanistan and Pakistan work at cross-purposes, and to have decided, definitively, which axis he didn't want to be on.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decide definitively" to emphasize the finality and lack of ambiguity in a decision. It is particularly effective when clarifying a stance after a period of uncertainty or debate.

Common error

Avoid pairing "decide definitively" with other intensifiers (e.g., "absolutely decide definitively"). The phrase already conveys a strong sense of finality, so additional emphasis can sound redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decide definitively" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of making a clear and final decision. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig show its use in contexts where a firm stance or resolution is being established.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decide definitively" is a grammatically correct way to express making a final and clear decision. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While it isn't extremely common, its use is appropriate when you need to emphasize the certainty and resolution of a decision. Remember to avoid using redundant intensifiers with it. Alternatives like "make a definitive decision" or "reach a firm conclusion" can be used to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a definitive decision

Replaces the verb "decide" with the more explicit phrase "make a decision", emphasizing the action of deciding.

reach a firm conclusion

Emphasizes the process of arriving at a settled judgment or opinion.

determine with certainty

Focuses on establishing something as undoubtedly true or reliable.

resolve conclusively

Highlights the act of settling a matter in a way that leaves no room for doubt.

settle without question

Stresses the lack of ambiguity or debate in the decision.

come to an unshakeable conclusion

Conveys a sense of unwavering resolve in the decision.

establish beyond doubt

Emphasizes the removal of any uncertainty or skepticism.

decide with finality

Highlights the concluding and irreversible nature of the decision.

rule decisively

Implies a firm and authoritative judgment.

ascertain definitively

Focuses on discovering something with complete accuracy and certainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "decide definitively" to emphasize that a decision has been made in a final and conclusive manner. For instance, "After careful consideration, the committee "decided definitively" to approve the project".

What are some alternatives to "decide definitively"?

Alternatives to "decide definitively" include phrases like "make a definitive decision", "reach a firm conclusion", or "determine with certainty".

Is it redundant to use "absolutely decide definitively"?

Yes, using "absolutely decide definitively" can be redundant. The phrase "decide definitively" already implies a high degree of certainty and finality, so adding "absolutely" doesn't add significant meaning and can sound repetitive.

What's the difference between "decide definitively" and "decide finally"?

"Decide definitively" emphasizes the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the decision, while "decide finally" simply indicates that the decision has been made after some delay or process. Using "decide definitively" suggests that the matter is now settled beyond any doubt.