decide on

USAGE SUMMARY

"decide on" is a correct phrase in written English.
You can use it when you wish to choose between two or more options. For example: "I had to decide on a color for the walls, so I chose blue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The world's trade ministers must decide on one of them by consensus and by May 31st.

The Economist

Why did I decide on one of the industry giants?

Forbes

"It is not for me to decide on this one.

BBC

No one can quite decide on its prospects.

The Economist

The intention now, however, is for this one-stop shop also to decide on the train paths.

EU Parlament

"I decide on withered mushroom".

The New York Times - Books

The voters will decide on May 6th.

The Economist

How did you decide on this format?

The New Yorker

Decide on a winning total of points.

Independent

How did you decide on that location?

The New York Times

How did they decide on the name?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decide on" when you need to select one or more options after considering alternatives. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Don't use "decide on" when you intend to express an action you've chosen to perform. Use "decide to" instead. For example, say "I decided to go to the store" not "I decided on going to the store".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decide on" functions as a phrasal verb. It signifies the action of choosing something from a range of options after consideration. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a correct and common phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "decide on" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for indicating the selection of an option after considering alternatives. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the numerous examples show its versatility across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While generally neutral, it's crucial to differentiate its meaning from "decide to", which signifies an intention to perform an action. Consider alternatives like "settle on" or "opt for" to add nuance to your writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, you can effectively utilize "decide on" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

settle on

Emphasizes reaching a conclusion after considering different options.

opt for

Highlights making a deliberate choice from available alternatives.

choose

A more general term for making a selection.

select

Suggests a careful and deliberate choice.

determine

Implies a more formal and definitive resolution.

resolve

Suggests firmness and conviction in the decision.

make a decision about

A more verbose but equally valid alternative.

conclude

Indicates the final step in a decision-making process.

pick

A more informal way of saying choose.

rule on

Often used in legal or formal settings to indicate a judgment or official decision.

FAQs

How do you use "decide on" in a sentence?

You can use "decide on" when you want to indicate the act of choosing something after considering different options. For example, "We need to decide on a venue for the wedding".

What's the difference between "decide on" and "decide to"?

"Decide on" means to choose between different options, while "decide to" means to make a resolution to do something. Example: "I need to decide on a gift" (choosing a gift) vs "I decided to buy her flowers" (resolved to buy flowers).

What can I say instead of "decide on"?

You can use alternatives like "settle on", "opt for", or "choose" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "decide upon" instead of "decide on"?

While "decide upon" is grammatically correct, "decide on" is more commonly used in modern English. Both phrases mean the same thing, but "decide on" is generally preferred for its simplicity and wider acceptance.