decided by

USAGE SUMMARY

"decided by" is a grammatically correct phrase that is commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the decision-making process or determining factor in a situation. Here is an example: "The final outcome of the case was decided by the judge's ruling." In this sentence, "decided by" indicates that the judge's ruling was the deciding factor in the case's outcome. Other examples of using "decided by" include: - The winner of the competition will be decided by a panel of judges. - The budget for the project was decided by the CEO. - The rules were decided by the board of directors.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Decisions Decided by the Deciding Decider.

Huffington Post

"It was decided by force.

The New York Times - Sports

It was decided by will.

The New York Times - Sports

It was decided by energy.

The New York Times - Sports

They're decided by your team".

The New York Times - Sports

The answer will be decided by politics.

Independent

"You have decided by yourself," he said.

The New York Times

The route must be decided by 2016.

Independent

Cases are decided by simple majority.

The Economist

"Seven games each decided by one goal?

The New York Times - Sports

The winner was decided by audience vote.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decided by", ensure the subject making the decision is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "The game was decided by skill", specify "The game was decided by the players' skill".

Common error

Avoid using "decided by" in active voice constructions. "The committee decided by consensus" is incorrect; the correct form is "The decision was decided by the committee."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decided by" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating the agent or factor that determined a particular outcome or decision. It highlights the determining influence, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig, such as "The winner was "decided by" audience vote."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decided by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction for indicating the agent or method that determines an outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile phrase applicable across diverse contexts, from news reporting to scientific research and general communication. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in News & Media and Science. While its formality is generally neutral, consider alternatives like "determined by" or "resolved by" for contexts requiring a more sophisticated tone. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to explicitly state the deciding agent or factor. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively employ "decided by" to convey information with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determined by

Changes the verb to "determined", emphasizing a more definitive and conclusive decision.

based on

Emphasizes the foundation or rationale behind the decision.

settled by

Similar to resolved by, but can also indicate a more general agreement or conclusion.

governed by

Suggests the decision is dictated by a set of rules or principles.

resolved by

Emphasizes the settling of a dispute or uncertainty through a decision.

dictated by

Suggests a more forceful or authoritative influence on the decision.

influenced by

Indicates the decision was affected or swayed by something, but not necessarily completely determined.

contingent on

Highlights that the decision depends on a particular condition or event.

dependent on

Similar to contingent on, indicating reliance on something else for the decision.

subject to

Suggests the decision is under the control or authority of something else.

FAQs

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

Use "decided by" to indicate what or who determined an outcome. For example, "The election was "settled by" the popular vote".

What are some alternatives to "decided by"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "determined by", "governed by", or "based on" instead of "decided by".

Is it better to use "decided by" or "determined by"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Determined by" may imply a more formal or conclusive decision than "decided by".

Can "decided by" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "decided by" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, consider alternatives like "resolved by" for a more sophisticated tone.