decide once and for all

USAGE SUMMARY

"decide once and for all" is correct and can definitely be used in written English.
It suggests an ultimate decision and implies finality. For example: "She had been uncertain about whether to go to college, but she finally decided once and for all to pursue higher education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Now the courts must decide once and for all.(Photo credit: Getty images).

The Economist

It was to decide once and for all, whether to overturn the amnesty for human-rights violations which the country's reconstituted democratic Congress had extended two years earlier.

The New Yorker

Its data might allow researchers to decide once and for all whether Martian methane is a tantalising mirage or a real, but baffling, mystery.

The Economist

"If this is what happens, it may offer more incentive to say let's decide once and for all that health care is a right," Mr. Wolfe said.

The New York Times

It is in effect an extraordinary policy meeting to decide once and for all whether Pietersen has any future as an England player.

The Guardian - Sport

Now there's been a call by designer-in-residence DennisChow to decide once and for all what we should name the main guy.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

But it may also be a moment of truth — where various disparate forces that have been squished together into the DA have to decide once-and-for-all whether they can stick true to the party's post-racial philosophy.

Vice

On Friday, the Supreme Court finally agreed to decide once-and-for-all if gay marriage will become law across all 50 states, in a ruling that is expected to finally end the lower courts wrangling over one of the key civil rights issues of the century.

Vice

Kelly had decided, once and for all, after some preseason obfuscation, to unleash his vibrant playbook.

The New York Times - Sports

"As soon as Tim died I decided once and for all to get out of war reporting for good," he says.

The Guardian - Film

You decided once and for all, three days ago, after much indecision, that these books are not needed, and you cling to that decision.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decide once and for all" to emphasize that a decision is final and not subject to further discussion or change. It adds a sense of resolution and permanence to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "decide once and for all" too frequently in your writing, as it can sound repetitive or overly dramatic. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms or alternative expressions that convey a similar meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decide once and for all" functions as a verbal phrase used to emphasize the finality and conclusiveness of a decision. It indicates that a matter has been resolved definitively, leaving no room for further debate or reconsideration. This aligns with Ludwig's finding that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decide once and for all" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase employed to underscore the finality of a decision. According to Ludwig, the phrase is indeed correct and suitable for use in written English, conveying a sense of ultimate resolution. Its prevalence in news and media, as shown by the examples in Ludwig, demonstrates its utility in communicating that an issue has been definitively settled. While synonyms exist, the emphasis on finality and lack of further debate is what sets this phrase apart. Though very common, avoid the excessive use of the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decide definitively

Uses an adverb to emphasize the final and conclusive nature of the decision.

settle once and for all

Uses settle in the place of decide but conveys a similar meaning of finality.

reach a final decision

Focuses on the act of reaching a conclusion, emphasizing the decision-making process.

make an ultimate decision

Highlights that this decision is final and there is no going back.

make a definitive choice

Highlights the act of choosing, stressing the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the selection.

come to a final resolution

Focuses on reaching the end of a process leading to a final decision.

resolve conclusively

Emphasizes the act of resolving an issue with finality and without leaving room for doubt.

settle the matter permanently

Focuses on the lasting nature of the resolution, implying that the issue will not resurface.

determine without question

Stresses the certainty of the determination, leaving no room for doubt or further debate.

seal the deal

An idiomatic expression suggesting the completion and finalization of an agreement or decision.

FAQs

How can I use "decide once and for all" in a sentence?

You can use "decide once and for all" to emphasize the finality of a decision. For example, "After much deliberation, the committee "reached a final decision" and voted to approve the project".

What are some alternatives to "decide once and for all"?

Alternatives include "decide definitively", "resolve conclusively", or "settle the matter permanently". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "decide once and for all"?

While "decide" already implies a conclusion, adding "once and for all" emphasizes the finality and permanence of the decision. It's not strictly redundant, but it should be used purposefully for emphasis.

What's the tone conveyed by "decide once and for all"?

It typically conveys a tone of resolution and finality. It suggests that a matter has been thoroughly considered and a definitive conclusion has been reached. Using "resolve conclusively" might create a similar effect.