decided to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decided to be" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's decision or choice to become or do something. For example: - She decided to be a doctor when she was only 10 years old. - After much thought, he finally decided to be honest with himself about his true feelings. - The team captain decided to be proactive and hold extra practices before the big game. - Despite her fears, she decided to be brave and face her phobia head on.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We decided to be bold".

The New York Times

He decided to be their Darwin.

The New Yorker

I had decided to be a writer.

The New York Times

Burton decided to be a writer.

The New Yorker

I finally decided to be myself.

The New Yorker

Then I decided to be clever.

The New Yorker

I, meanwhile, decided to be superstitious.

The New York Times

"I decided to be a helper".

The New York Times

They decided to be right.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Elizabeth Warren decided to be an outsider.

Huffington Post

"I decided to be a messenger".

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decided to be", ensure that the context clearly indicates who made the decision and what they decided to become or do. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "decided to be" without specifying the subject or the object of the decision. For instance, instead of just saying "It was decided to be", specify "The committee decided the project should be a priority".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decided to be" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically following a subject and verb to express a deliberate choice or intention. Ludwig's examples show its versatility in describing personal resolutions, professional choices, and strategic decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decided to be" is a common and grammatically sound infinitive phrase used to express a conscious choice or intention. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "chose to be" or "resolved to be" exist, "decided to be" maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the subject and object of the decision are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chose to be

Substitutes "decided" with "chose", a more straightforward alternative.

resolved to be

Replaces "decided" with "resolved", indicating a firm decision.

determined to be

Uses "determined" instead of "decided", suggesting a strong will.

opted to be

Uses "opted" instead of "decided", indicating a preference.

elected to be

Replaces "decided" with "elected", implying a deliberate selection.

made the decision to be

Adds "made the decision" for emphasis.

came to the conclusion to be

Indicates a process of reasoning leading to the decision.

saw fit to be

An idiomatic expression meaning "considered it appropriate to be".

felt compelled to be

Suggests an inner force driving the decision.

found it necessary to be

Highlights the perceived necessity of the choice.

FAQs

How can I use "decided to be" in a sentence?

You can use "decided to be" to express a conscious choice or determination. For example, "After careful consideration, she "decided to be" a volunteer".

What are some alternatives to "decided to be"?

Alternatives include "chose to be", "resolved to be", or "determined to be", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "decided to being" instead of "decided to be"?

No, "decided to being" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""decided to be"", where "be" is the base form of the verb.

What's the difference between "decided to be" and "decided to become"?

"Decided to be" generally implies a choice about a state or role, while "decided to become" suggests a process of transformation. For instance, you might "decide to be" a leader, but "decide to become" a better public speaker.