decided against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decided against" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use the phrase to describe when someone chooses one option over the other. For example, "After considering all the factors, the committee decided against extending the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Powers decided against suicide.

The New York Times

(She decided against it).

The New York Times

They decided against it.

The New York Times

He decided against charging Margarite.

The New York Times

"However, they decided against it".

The New York Times - Sports

are decided against the corp.

The New Yorker

He ultimately decided against it.

The New York Times

Greenspan decided against taking it.

The New Yorker

But he decided against journalism.

The New York Times - Sports

"I decided against a halfway house".

The New Yorker

They agonized, and decided against it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decided against", ensure the context provides enough information about what was considered and why the decision was made, enhancing clarity and understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "decided". The correct form is "decided against" when expressing a decision not to do something, not "decided on" or "decided for", unless the meaning is different.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decided against" functions as a verb phrase indicating a negative decision or choice. It signifies that a conscious evaluation took place, leading to the rejection of a particular option or action. Ludwig provides numerous examples where individuals or groups considered an action but ultimately chose not to pursue it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decided against" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate a deliberate choice not to pursue a particular course of action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. It commonly appears in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, signifying its adaptability across various registers. When using the expression consider the negative impacts that could arise from an incorrect preposition. Alternatives such as ""opted not to"" or "chose not to" can provide nuanced variations, however, "decided against" remains a clear and effective way to express a conscious rejection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opted not to

Indicates a formal choice not to do something.

chose not to

A general alternative to express a selection against something

resolved not to

Emphasizes a firm decision to avoid something.

determined not to

Highlights a strong sense of purpose in the decision.

refrained from

Suggests a deliberate holding back from an action.

passed on

Indicates declining an opportunity or offer.

rejected the idea of

Directly expresses disapproval and abandonment of a concept.

vetoed

Implies authority and a decisive rejection.

turned down

Informal way to express declining something

balked at

Suggests hesitation or reluctance leading to rejection.

FAQs

How can I use "decided against" in a sentence?

Use "decided against" to indicate a deliberate choice not to pursue something. For example, "After careful consideration, they "opted not to" proceed with the project" shows they carefully considered and chose to not continue.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "decided against"?

You can use alternatives like "chose not to", "resolved not to", or "refrained from depending on the context".

Is it more formal to say "decided against" or "opted not to"?

"Opted not to" often carries a slightly more formal tone compared to "decided against", making it suitable for business or academic writing.

What's the difference between "decided against" and "postponed"?

"Decided against" means a final decision not to do something, while "postponed" means delaying something temporarily. For instance, "They decided against the merger" means it's cancelled, whereas "They postponed the merger" means it will happen later.