decided not to order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decided not to order" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a choice or decision to refrain from placing an order for something, typically in a context related to shopping or dining. Example: "After considering the menu, I decided not to order dessert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Sales in Britain recovered in December but then plunged after Christmas as retailers decided not to order new stocks.

The Guardian - Business

He added: "The secretary of state at the time of each of these previous complaints decided not to order a local inquiry".

The Guardian - Books

But after the lawyers said that she would take the Fifth Amendment if subpoenaed, the committee decided not to order her to appear and Ms. Stewart sidestepped the public spectacle of refusing to testify.

The New York Times

When Mr. Obama reversed course and decided not to order a military strike on Syria last August to punish it for a deadly chemical weapons attack, he did not bother to tell Mr. Kerry of his decision until after he had briefed his aides, even though Mr. Kerry had become the most public advocate of military action.

The New York Times

It was created after the BBC decided not to order a series of their much-enthused-about sketch show pilot People Time ("If the long-floundering Great British sketch show has any chance of relevancy again, this is it," I said in the Guardian. Other people also thought it was good).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But Greenpeace, which recently made headlines in London by testing fish samples at three Nobu restaurants, confirming that they were bluefin when the restaurants were vague on that point, might have been heartened by the response on Saturday from Dr. Jane Brownell, of Omaha, Neb., a Nobu patron who decided not to order the bluefin based on news stories about it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

My companion decides not to order it.

The New York Times

Not least of all would be shipping a customer something that they decide not to order.

Independent

Television executives are generally reluctant to talk about the shows they decide not to order.

The New York Times - Arts

Fogliani described the steps taken by Naderi, including deciding not to order a chest x-ray and performing an ultrasound instead, as a series of "missed opportunities".

The Guardian

If for some reason you decide not to order the house-special crab at Seafood Palace, you need to try the super-crisp yet tender "baked" squid, which comes to the table nearly invisible under its thick, crunchy mantle of browned garlic and herbs.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decided not to order", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the decision. For instance, specifying the item or service being declined enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid embedding "decided not to order" within overly complex sentences. Simpler constructions often enhance readability and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decided not to order" functions as a verb phrase indicating a negative decision related to placing an order. Ludwig provides several examples where this phrase is used to express a deliberate choice against ordering something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decided not to order" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to convey the intentional act of not placing an order. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct, it finds its usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, and scientific publications. While related phrases like "chose not to order" or "opted not to order" can offer nuanced alternatives, understanding the context ensures effective communication. Avoid overly complex sentences to maintain clarity when using this phrase. Overall, the phrase is appropriate for a variety of settings, with a neutral formality level.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chose not to order

Replaces "decided" with "chose", emphasizing the element of choice.

opted not to order

Uses "opted" instead of "decided", suggesting a more deliberate selection.

refrained from ordering

Emphasizes the act of holding back from placing an order.

declined to order

Indicates a refusal to place an order.

did not place an order

A more direct and simple way of stating the absence of an order.

elected not to order

Similar to "opted not to order", but with a slightly more formal tone.

determined not to order

Suggests a firm decision against placing an order.

resolved not to order

Implies a strong commitment to not placing an order.

passed on ordering

A more casual way of saying someone decided not to order.

skipped ordering

Focuses on the act of foregoing the ordering process.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, you could use alternatives like "opted not to order" or "elected not to order". These options convey a more deliberate and considered decision.

What's a more casual way to say "decided not to order"?

Informally, you could say "passed on ordering" or "skipped ordering". These phrases are suitable for everyday conversations.

Is it ever incorrect to use "decided not to order"?

While grammatically sound, "decided not to order" might sound awkward if the reason for not ordering is obvious. In such cases, a simpler statement like "I didn't order" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "decided not to order" and "chose not to order"?

"Decided not to order" and "chose not to order" are very similar. "Chose" emphasizes the selection process slightly more, while "decided" focuses on the outcome of that process. They are often interchangeable.