decide on next steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decide on next steps" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used in the context of making a plan for how to accomplish a goal or move forward in a situation. For example: "We discussed the project, and it was decided that we should decide on next steps to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

— Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, according to a leaked cable from August, 2006 "The current Iranian regime is effectively a fascist state and the time has come to decide on next steps".

The New Yorker

According to the cable, Levitte goes on: "The current Iranian regime is effectively a fascist state and the time has come to decide on next steps … The Iranian regime must understand that it will be more threatened by economic harm and the attendant social unrest than it would be by negotiating with the west".

The Guardian

Talk about the ideas that received the most votes and decide on next steps.

Forbes

Hence, teams themselves would collectively reflect on and process the aggregate patterns, and then decide on next steps to address the identified root causes and minimize negative patterns.

Forbes

Those whose vision is just a few feet in front of them will feel more limited in their ability to decide on next steps or choose a direction, and yet they may be extraordinary at executing tactical strategies that require discipline and attention to detail.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

FJP leaders in meeting to decide on next step, and they are considering what you might call their nuclear option in pres elex — Samer Al-Atrush (@SameralAtrush) 14 Jun 12 As my colleague David Kirkpatrick reports, many observers in Egypt today have called the dissolution of Parliament an escalation in "a battle for power between the remnants of the toppled order and rising Islamists".

The New York Times

However, the red notice was also raised as a factor in deciding on next steps.

The Guardian

Suppose you also can regain enough poise to develop a balanced plan for responding to the letter — e.g., listening carefully to the faculty, adding your perspective, addressing frayed feelings, and deciding on next steps together.

Harvard University

But the minister said the government wanted to wait for Lord Neuberger's report "before deciding on next steps".

BBC

His team was awaiting details from the authorities before deciding on next steps, and Friedberg wouldn't elaborate.

Los Angeles Times

The Financial Times NUJJ chapel has a meeting scheduled at 3pm on Thursday to decide on its next steps following an improved offer from management earlier this week.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decide on next steps", ensure the context clearly indicates who is making the decision and what factors are being considered. Be specific about the potential actions being evaluated.

Common error

Avoid using "decide on next steps" without specifying the scope of the 'steps'. Clarify whether you're referring to immediate actions, short-term strategies, or long-term goals to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decide on next steps" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the process of determining a future course of action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used, serving to initiate planning or forward movement following a review or assessment of a situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decide on next steps" is a commonly used and grammatically correct verbal phrase employed to indicate the process of determining a future course of action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, including news, business, academia, and science. Usage guidance emphasizes clarity in defining the scope of these steps to avoid vagueness. While "decide on next steps" is generally neutral in register, alternative phrases like "determine the subsequent actions" can provide a more formal tone. Common errors include a lack of specificity regarding who is deciding and what the scope of the next steps entails. Overall, this phrase serves to prompt action and resolution following a period of consideration or analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determine the subsequent actions

Replaces "decide" with "determine" and uses "subsequent actions" for a slightly more formal tone.

figure out what to do next

More informal and focuses on understanding the immediate next action.

resolve the upcoming steps

Focuses on resolving or solving what the next steps should be.

ascertain the future actions

More formal and emphasizes finding out with certainty what needs to be done.

establish the following procedures

Emphasizes the formal establishment of a process.

devise the following plan

Highlights the creation of a plan for the actions to come.

settle on the ensuing measures

Implies a formal agreement on specific actions.

plan the succeeding phases

Highlights planning in a structured, phased approach.

conclude the subsequent moves

Suggests a concluding decision on a series of actions.

chart the future course

Uses metaphorical language to suggest mapping out a direction.

FAQs

How can I use "decide on next steps" in a sentence?

You can use "decide on next steps" to indicate the process of determining what actions should follow a current situation. For example, "After reviewing the data, the team will "decide on next steps" for the project".

What's a more formal way to say "decide on next steps"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "determine the subsequent actions" or "establish the following procedures" instead of ""decide on next steps"".

Is it always necessary to specify who is deciding on the next steps?

While not always grammatically required, specifying who is deciding on the next steps often provides valuable context and clarity. It helps avoid ambiguity about responsibility and accountability.

What's the difference between ""decide on next steps"" and "plan the next steps"?

"Decide on next steps" implies a decision-making process about which actions to take, whereas "plan the next steps" suggests a more detailed and structured approach to organizing those actions. The former focuses on the selection, the latter on the organization.