decide to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"decide to be" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of making a decision or choice about one's future actions or identity. It is often used in a reflective or introspective context, as in "I have decided to be more confident" or "He decided to be a doctor." Example: After much contemplation, Jenny decided to be true to herself and pursue her dream of becoming an artist.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I decide to be cavalier.

The New Yorker

"Many students decide to be political.

The New York Times

I didn't decide to be obscure, to confuse people.

The New York Times

It will depend if we decide to be brave".

The Guardian - Sport

She may decide to be a famous heart surgeon.

The Guardian

I don't think somebody can decide to be a writer.

The Guardian - Books

I had to decide to be an "A" student.

The New York Times

"You can decide to be outrageous," he said.

The New York Times

"But Allan has to decide to be here, too.

The New York Times - Sports

"Because if you decide to be healthy, hopeful, and fun-loving, that's what you'll be".

The New Yorker

Did they decide to be true to their school and move to the East Side?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decide to be", ensure that the context clearly indicates a conscious choice or determination on the part of the subject. For example, "After careful consideration, she decided to be a volunteer at the local shelter."

Common error

Avoid using "decide to be" when referring to inherent qualities or unavoidable circumstances. For example, instead of saying "He decided to be tall", which is incorrect, use it to describe something that relies on choice, as in "He decided to be honest, even when it was difficult."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decide to be" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as a complement to a verb or as an adverbial modifier. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples show it expressing conscious choices or future intentions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

21%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decide to be" is a grammatically correct and frequently used infinitive phrase that expresses a conscious choice or determination. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is most commonly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific contexts. The phrase conveys a sense of active agency and intention, making it appropriate for describing deliberate actions and resolutions. Alternatives like "choose to become" or "resolve to be" can be used to add nuance. Remember to use this phrase to refer to active choices, avoiding application to inherent or unchangeable conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

choose to become

Emphasizes the selection of a future state or identity.

opt to be

Highlights a specific selection from a set of possibilities.

resolve to be

Stresses the firmness and determination behind the decision.

determine to be

Focuses on the act of making a firm decision to achieve a certain state.

elect to be

Suggests a formal or conscious choice among alternatives.

aim to be

Highlights the intention and direction towards a desired outcome.

aspire to be

Implies a strong desire and ambition to reach a particular state.

plan to be

Focuses on the intentional design and preparation for a future state.

intend to be

Emphasizes the purpose and objective behind the decision.

set out to be

Highlights the commencement of a journey or effort towards a specific goal.

FAQs

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

Use "decide to be" to express a conscious choice or determination. For instance, "They decided to be more environmentally conscious" or "I decided to be brave and face my fears".

What are some alternatives to "decide to be"?

You can use alternatives like "choose to become", "opt to be", or "resolve to be" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "decide to be" and "decide to become"?

"Decide to be" generally refers to choosing a state of being or a role, while "decide to become" implies a process of transformation. For example, "decide to be happy" versus "decide to become a doctor".

When is it inappropriate to use "decide to be"?

Avoid using "decide to be" when referring to inherent qualities or uncontrollable situations. It's best used when describing a deliberate choice, not a pre-existing condition.