decide to

USAGE SUMMARY

"decide to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you make a decision to do something. For example: She decided to take a break from work and take a vacation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They decide to default.

The New York Times

I decide to walk.

The Guardian

Decide to do nothing.

The New York Times - Sports

Levey decide to rectify that.

Harvard University

Some may still decide to back out.

The Economist

You'll decide to cook more regularly.

The New York Times

WHY did the teachers decide to strike?

The New York Times

I decide to up the ante.

The New Yorker

I decide to ring and tell her.

Independent

Yet Apple may decide to sue Real.

The Economist

We decide to cross to opposite platform.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decide to" when you want to express a clear intention to perform an action. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "decide on" when you intend to express an action. "Decide on" is used to choose between options, whereas "decide to" indicates the action you will take. For example, it's correct to say "I decided to go", not "I decided on go".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decide to" functions as an initiator of action, indicating a deliberate choice or intention. It signals the commencement of an action based on a conscious decision. As shown in Ludwig, it's a straightforward way to express a commitment to a specific course of action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

29%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decide to" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the intention to perform an action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. With a neutral register, it fits various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Wiki sources. When using this phrase, remember that it differs from "decide on", which involves choosing between options. As a versatile phrase, "decide to" effectively communicates a commitment to a specific action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

choose to

Replaces "decide" with "choose", emphasizing the selection aspect of the decision.

make a decision to

Expands the phrase to include "make a decision", adding a slight emphasis on the decision-making process.

opt to

A more formal alternative to "decide", suggesting a deliberate selection from available options.

resolve to

Implies a firm decision and determination to follow through.

come to a decision to

Highlights the process of reaching a conclusion before acting.

determine to

Similar to "resolve", but can also suggest an investigation leading to the decision.

take the decision to

Emphasizes the act of taking responsibility for the choice.

elect to

Suggests a formal or official choice, often used in legal or political contexts.

settle on

Implies choosing something after considering several options.

conclude to

To decide by deduction or reasoning; infer.

FAQs

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

Use "decide to" followed by a verb to express a choice or intention to do something. For example, "They "decide to leave" early" or "I "decide to stay" and help."

What are some alternatives to "decide to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "choose to", "opt to", or "resolve to" instead of "decide to".

Is it correct to say "decide on" when expressing an intention to do something?

No, "decide on" is used to choose between options (e.g., "decide on a restaurant"), while "decide to" is used to express the intention to perform an action (e.g., "decide to eat").

What's the difference between "decide to" and "make a decision to"?

"Decide to" is more concise and commonly used. "Make a decision to" emphasizes the decision-making process, adding a slight formality or emphasis on the act of deciding.