decided not to keep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decided not to keep" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a choice or decision to not retain something, whether it be an object, a commitment, or a relationship. Example: "After much consideration, I decided not to keep the old furniture that no longer fits my style."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"I'm grateful to whatever part of my brain decided not to keep that," he said.

The New York Times

WHY does she say she decided not to keep her decision private?

The New York Times

But I decided not to keep him in prison so my husband took him away.

The Guardian

He only fleetingly regained consciousness, and his family decided not to keep him alive through artificial means.

The New Yorker

The channel's executives decided not to keep him in that slot permanently, and instead offered him a weekend spot.

The New York Times

When her boyfriend moved to Korea last December for a consulting job, the two decided not to keep dating long distance but resolved to stay friends.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Why did Cornell Extension decide not to keep your position after your retirement?

The New York Times

If the Trust does decide not to keep sheep at Thorneythwaite – Peter Edmondson says he'll be surprised if the sheep are there in four years' time – his own farm becomes less sustainable.

The Guardian

A prepaid UPS label is included, so you can return items you decide not to keep.

TechCrunch

In theory, customers could even try out a product, decide not to keep it and send the drone back to base with the product at virtually no cost.

TechCrunch

You do get a 30 day period to try them out and they will take them back and give you a full refund (minus shipping costs) if you decide not to keep them.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decided not to keep", ensure the context clearly indicates what was being considered for retention. For example, "After testing the product, I "decided not to keep" it because it didn't meet my needs."

Common error

Avoid using "decided not to keep" without a clear referent for the pronoun 'it'. Vague references can confuse readers. Instead of saying "I "decided not to keep" it", specify the object: "I "decided not to keep" the car".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decided not to keep" functions as a verb phrase expressing a completed action of making a choice to not retain something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decided not to keep" is a commonly used and grammatically correct verb phrase that indicates a decision to relinquish or reject something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the object being considered for retention. Alternatives like "opted to discard" or "chose to relinquish" can add formality depending on the context. The phrase maintains a neutral register and is suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passed on retaining

A more casual way to say that something was not kept.

opted to discard

Implies a more active rejection or disposal of something.

determined to reject

Emphasizes a strong decision against accepting or retaining something.

chose to relinquish

Suggests a more formal or deliberate giving up of something.

declined to maintain

Focuses on the refusal to continue upkeep or support.

elected to forgo

Suggests a conscious choice to abstain from something.

resolved to abandon

Indicates a firm decision to leave something behind, often permanently.

refused to preserve

Highlights a conscious decision to not protect or save something.

judged it best to release

Emphasizes a reasoned decision to let go of something.

saw fit to discontinue

Implies a decision based on suitability or appropriateness to cease something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "decided not to keep" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "opted to discard" or "chose to relinquish", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "decided to not keep" instead of "decided not to keep"?

While grammatically understandable, "decided not to keep" is the more common and natural phrasing. Placing 'not' before 'to' can sometimes sound awkward.

What does "decided not to keep" imply in a business context?

In a business context, "decided not to keep" might refer to a decision not to retain a product, service, employee, or investment. The specific implication depends on the surrounding text.

Can you give me an example of how to use "decided not to keep" in a sentence?

Certainly. Here's an example: "After reviewing the budget, the committee "decided not to keep" the funding for the project."