decide for themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decide for themselves" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to people who have the autonomy to make their own decisions. For example: Each student was given the opportunity to decide for themselves which project to pursue.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Readers can decide for themselves.

The New Yorker

Let them decide for themselves.

The New Yorker

Everyone will have to decide for themselves".

The New York Times - Tech

"Everyone else can decide for themselves".

The New York Times

Operagoers will decide for themselves.

The New York Times - Arts

I think people should decide for themselves.

The Guardian

But let adults decide for themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

Everyone can decide for themselves,' Bauer replied.

The Guardian - Books

Let the readers decide for themselves".

The Guardian - Books

We let our audience decide for themselves.

The New York Times

People here must decide for themselves.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decide for themselves" when you want to emphasize the autonomy and freedom individuals have in making choices, especially when contrasting it with external control or influence.

Common error

While generally acceptable, "decide for themselves" can sometimes sound informal. In highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "exercise their discretion" or "make independent determinations" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decide for themselves" functions as a verb phrase indicating that individuals have the autonomy and authority to make a choice or form an opinion independently. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, from personal choices to policy decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

18%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decide for themselves" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that conveys the idea of autonomous decision-making. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, this phrase emphasizes the power and freedom individuals possess in making choices. While suitable for general use, consider more formal alternatives like "exercise their discretion" in professional settings. As Ludwig's examples showcase, the phrase effectively communicates empowerment and self-determination, making it a versatile and reliable choice for expressing independent thought and action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make their own decisions

Focuses on the act of making decisions autonomously.

determine their own course

Emphasizes charting a direction or path independently.

exercise their own judgment

Highlights the application of personal discretion and discernment.

form their own opinions

Highlights the independent development of personal beliefs.

arrive at their own conclusions

Focuses on the independent process of reaching a judgment or understanding.

reach their own verdicts

Focuses on the independent process of making a judgment.

take matters into their own hands

Implies taking control and making decisions without external influence or assistance.

draw their own inferences

Emphasizes the act of forming conclusions based on personal reasoning.

act on their own accord

Stresses acting independently and voluntarily.

self-determination

A more concise, formal term for making one's own choices.

FAQs

How can I use "decide for themselves" in a sentence?

You can use "decide for themselves" when you want to emphasize the autonomy and freedom individuals have in making choices, especially when contrasting it with external control or influence. For example, "The company allows employees to "decide for themselves" which projects to work on".

What are some alternatives to "decide for themselves"?

You can use alternatives such as "make their own decisions", "determine their own course", or "exercise their own judgment" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "decide for themselves"?

Yes, "decide for themselves" is grammatically correct. It is used to indicate that individuals have the autonomy to make their own choices without external influence.

In what contexts is "decide for themselves" most appropriate?

"Decide for themselves" is appropriate in a variety of contexts, including news, media, and informal communications. In more formal or academic settings, consider using alternatives to maintain a professional tone.