decided to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decided to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a choice or resolution to take a specific action. Example: "After much consideration, she decided to pursue a career in medicine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I decided to pass.

The New York Times

We decided to marry.

The New York Times

Jama decided to expand.

The New Yorker

She decided to stay.

The New Yorker

Alyokhina decided to stall.

The New York Times

They decided to buy.

The New York Times

They decided to pivot.

The New Yorker

They decided to move.

The New York Times

They decided to fight.

The New Yorker

He decided to retire.

The New Yorker

We decided to run".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by occasionally substituting "decided to" with synonyms like "chose to" or "opted to" for stylistic diversity.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions where "decided to" can be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "It was decided to postpone the meeting", write "They decided to postpone the meeting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decided to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate choice or resolution to perform an action. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase signals a conscious decision-making process leading to a specific action. Examples in Ludwig showcase its use across various contexts, like "She decided to stay" or "They decided to buy."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decided to" is a versatile and grammatically correct verb phrase used to express a deliberate choice or resolution. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and usability. It appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media sources. While synonyms such as "chose to" or "opted to" can offer stylistic variation, "decided to" remains a straightforward and effective way to communicate that a conscious decision has been made. Its frequency and widespread use across different sources underscore its importance in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chose to

Emphasizes the act of selecting one option over others.

opted to

Suggests a deliberate choice, often after considering alternatives.

resolved to

Implies a firm decision, indicating determination and commitment.

determined to

Highlights the process of reaching a firm conclusion or decision.

made up one's mind to

Indicates the finality of a decision, suggesting a shift from indecision.

saw fit to

Suggests the decision was made based on what was deemed appropriate or necessary.

undertook to

Implies a commitment to a task or action, often with a sense of responsibility.

agreed to

Suggests a consensus or mutual decision between parties.

elected to

Highlights the power of choice and agency in the decision-making process.

felt compelled to

Indicates a sense of obligation or necessity driving the decision.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "decided to"?

You can use alternatives like "chose to", "opted to", or "resolved to depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "decided to"?

Yes, "decided to" is grammatically correct and widely used in English to indicate a deliberate choice or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and usability.

How do I use "decided to" in a sentence?

"Decided to" is followed by a verb in its base form. For example, "She decided to apply for the job" or "They decided to move to a new city".

What's the difference between "decided to" and "determined to"?

"Decided to" indicates a choice or resolution, while "determined to" implies a stronger sense of resolve and commitment.