decided not to work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decided not to work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a choice or resolution to refrain from working, whether in a professional or personal context. Example: "After much consideration, I decided not to work on the weekends anymore to focus on my personal life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"Senate decided not to work yesterday," Mr. Boehner continued.

The New York Times

But he decided not to work at the refinery, as his father had.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I decided not to work in that reportorial mode," Mr. Eugenides said.

The New York Times - Books

"The Society decided not to work with him," Mr. Hernstat said.

The New York Times

"You won't have anything in common with the carriers," a director of a Los Angeles agency (which we decided not to work with) insisted dismissively.

The New York Times - Magazine

"This came at a time in my life where I had also decided not to work in the same way," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

So you may be willing to forgive a business that messed up a deal but nevertheless decide not to work with that business again.

The New York Times

Unlike when unemployment rises, it's the workers themselves who are deciding not to work, and they presumably have solid reasons for doing so.

The Economist

Practically all of the estimated two million fewer workers (or the equivalent in work hours), come from people deciding to restrict the number of hours they work or, in some cases, deciding not to work at all.

The New Yorker

She has a particularly low opinion of mothers who decide not to work in order to have more time to shop for vintage alligator purses and go to lunches carrying them.

The New Yorker

"It's now very easy for Deliveroo to hire and fire people, but equally easy for drivers to decide not to work, and when they decide do to it altogether, can garner huge leverage against their would-be employer.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decided not to work", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the decision, providing clarity and avoiding ambiguity. For example, "After careful consideration, she decided not to work during her maternity leave."

Common error

Avoid using "decided not to work" when intending to express inability to work. For example, instead of "He decided not to work due to illness", use "He was unable to work due to illness" to clarify the reason.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decided not to work" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate choice to abstain from working. It typically follows a subject (person or entity) and expresses a conscious decision, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decided not to work" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase expressing a conscious choice to abstain from working. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a verb phrase and typically appears in news, scientific, and general contexts. When using the phrase, ensure clarity in expressing the reasons behind the decision to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "chose not to work" or "opted out of working" can provide similar meaning with slightly different emphasis. The phrase is suitable for neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chose not to work

Indicates a deliberate selection against working; emphasizes the act of choosing.

opted out of working

Suggests a formal or official withdrawal from work.

elected not to work

Similar to chose, but implies a more formal decision.

resolved not to work

Emphasizes the firmness and determination of the decision.

determined not to work

Highlights the strength of the decision against working.

refused to work

Indicates a stronger stance against working, possibly due to objection or unwillingness.

declined to work

A more polite or formal way of saying refused.

passed on working

Suggests an informal rejection of a work opportunity.

took a sabbatical

Implies a temporary leave from work, often for rest or study.

retired early

Suggests a permanent departure from the workforce before the typical retirement age.

FAQs

What does "decided not to work" mean?

The phrase "decided not to work" means making a conscious choice to abstain from employment or a specific task. It implies a deliberate decision to refrain from working, regardless of the reasons behind it.

What are some alternatives to "decided not to work"?

You can use alternatives such as "chose not to work", "opted out of working", or "refused to work" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "decided not to work" in a formal context?

Yes, "decided not to work" is suitable for formal contexts, especially when explaining a career choice or a company's decision. However, for very formal settings, consider more professional alternatives like "elected to abstain from employment".

How to use "decided not to work" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "After evaluating the new project's requirements, the team "decided not to proceed" with it because of budget constraints."