decided to keep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decided to keep" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a choice or resolution to retain something or someone. Example: "After much consideration, she decided to keep the old family heirloom instead of selling it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They decided to keep silent.

The New York Times

She decided to keep looking.

The New York Times

Roth decided to keep the phrase.

Independent

So I just decided to keep going.

The New Yorker

The man has decided to keep waiting.

The New York Times

I decided to keep it that way.

The New York Times - Travel

Barbara decided to keep living.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I decided to keep quiet.

The New York Times - Health

I've decided to keep the meetings simple.

The Guardian - Arts

She decided to keep the plan.

The New York Times

I decided to keep my mouth shut.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add nuance, consider using synonyms like "opted to retain" or "chose to hold onto" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Common error

Avoid shifting verb tenses when using "decided to keep". Ensure that the tense remains consistent throughout the sentence and surrounding paragraph. For example, don't mix past tense "decided" with present tense actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decided to keep" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate choice or resolution. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is used to express that someone has made a conscious decision to retain or maintain something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decided to keep" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a deliberate choice to retain something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. While its register is generally neutral, more formal options exist for specific contexts. Its frequency is very common, and it is predominantly found in news and media, scientific, and wiki sources. When writing, ensure consistency in verb tense and consider synonyms like "opted to retain" for added nuance. Overall, the phrase is reliable for conveying a decision to maintain or preserve.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opted to retain

Replaces "decided" with "opted" and "keep" with "retain", suggesting a formal choice to maintain possession.

chose to hold onto

Uses "chose" instead of "decided" and replaces "keep" with "hold onto", implying a deliberate selection to maintain physical or metaphorical grasp.

resolved to maintain

Emphasizes a firm resolution to preserve or uphold something, replacing "decided" with "resolved" and "keep" with "maintain".

determined to preserve

Highlights the strength of the decision to protect something, substituting "decided" with "determined" and "keep" with "preserve".

elected to conserve

Suggests a conscious selection to save or protect something, replacing "decided" with "elected" and "keep" with "conserve".

made the choice to retain

Explicitly states the action as a choice, adding emphasis while retaining a similar meaning. This emphasizes the active decision-making process.

came to the conclusion to keep

Implies a process of reasoning before deciding to retain something. Highlights the thought process leading to the decision.

settled on retaining

Indicates a decision after considering alternatives, suggesting a final choice. The focus is on the resolution.

concluded to preserve

Similar to resolved, but with a stronger sense of finality and an intellectual component.

favored keeping

Implies a preference for retaining something over other options; is less formal than the others.

FAQs

What does "decided to keep" mean?

The phrase "decided to keep" means that someone made a conscious decision to retain something, whether it's an object, a plan, or a course of action. It implies a deliberate choice to not discard or change something.

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

You can use "decided to keep" in a sentence to express a choice to retain something. For example: "After much consideration, she "decided to keep" the old family heirloom."

What are some alternatives to "decided to keep"?

Some alternatives to "decided to keep" include "opted to retain", "chose to hold onto", or "resolved to maintain" depending on the context.

Is "decided to keep" formal or informal?

"Decided to keep" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for more formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "opted to retain".