decide independently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decide independently" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to making choices or decisions without influence from others. Example: "In this project, each team member is encouraged to decide independently to foster creativity and innovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Each company would decide independently what discounts to offer.

The New York Times

It defies logic that, unless psychic, two people decide independently yet simultaneously and in total agreement to do the same thing.

The Guardian - Sport

He added that if Mr. Arafat reaches an agreement for a cease-fire, the Aksa Brigades will decide independently whether to abide by it.

The New York Times

Once people understand, they can each decide independently which path to take – wellness and longevity, or chronic disease and early death.

The New York Times

The SFO should be a properly funded institution with the ability to decide independently which cases it investigates without the suggestion of political motives at play".

Independent

Men such as John Winthrop, the first governor of Massachusetts Bay, believed that it was the duty of the governors of society not to act as the direct representatives of their constituents but rather to decide, independently, what measures were in the best interests of the total society.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The time of discharge was decided independently of the study (by independent physicians), and it might be possible that patients with an early discharge presented with better recovery of muscle performance and that significant between-group effects may have been missed due to insufficient sample size.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Licence fee payers overwhelmingly want the level decided independently.

The Guardian

Previously, each operation -- like CNNfn and CNNsi -- decided independently on stories to pursue.

The New York Times

Our sense of an appropriate limit to status and wealth is never decided independently.

The Economist

Each individual decides independently whether to stay in the bar or leave.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decide independently", ensure the context clearly indicates the freedom from external influence or coercion. This strengthens the statement and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "decide independently" when the decision-making process is implicitly influenced by external factors. Instead, acknowledge any constraints or influences to maintain accuracy and transparency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decide independently" functions as a verb phrase, specifying the manner in which a decision is made. It indicates that the decision-making process is free from external control or influence. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decide independently" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that conveys the idea of making choices autonomously. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and applicability across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While subtle alternatives like "make an autonomous decision" and "determine on one's own" exist, the core emphasis on independent decision-making remains consistent. When using "decide independently", clarity is key: ensure the context explicitly highlights the absence of external influence. Though often implied, specifying independence reinforces the statement's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make an autonomous decision

Focuses on the act of making a decision with autonomy.

determine on one's own

Highlights the personal aspect of deciding without external influence.

choose without guidance

Emphasizes the lack of external advice or direction.

resolve independently

Implies solving a problem or making a decision on one's own.

adjudicate without input

Suggests making a judgment or decision without external feedback.

act on one's own initiative

Highlights taking action based on one's own ideas and decisions.

form an independent opinion

Focuses on forming an opinion free from external influence.

self-govern in decision making

Refers to the concept of making one's own decisions without external controls.

exercise individual discretion

Emphasizes the use of one's own judgment and freedom to choose.

take the initiative to decide

Focuses on taking the first step in making a decision independently.

FAQs

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

Use "decide independently" to show that a person or entity made a choice without outside influence. For example, "Each member can "decide independently" which tasks to undertake."

What are some alternatives to "decide independently"?

You could use phrases like "make an autonomous decision", "determine on one's own", or "choose without guidance" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it redundant to say "decide independently"?

While "decide" often implies autonomy, using ""decide independently"" can emphasize the absence of external influence, making it useful when this distinction is crucial.

What's the difference between "decide independently" and "agree independently"?

"Decide independently" refers to making a choice without influence, while "agree independently" means coming to the same conclusion as someone else without prior consultation or coordination.