decided to walk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decided to walk" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a choice or decision to walk instead of using another form of transportation. Example: "After much consideration, she decided to walk to the store instead of driving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Heath decided to walk.

The New Yorker

She decided to walk home.

The New Yorker

"He decided to walk away.

The New York Times - Tech

I decided to walk back.

The New Yorker

"She decided to walk.

The Guardian

We decided to walk back to Dongshigu.

The New York Times

"I decided to walk the talk".

The New York Times - Sports

So I decided to walk the line.

The New York Times

Mr. Ai and his younger brother had decided to walk.

The New York Times

One day in 1998 he decided to walk away.

The New York Times - Food

Arriving early, I decided to walk around the property.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decided to walk", ensure the context clearly indicates why walking was chosen, providing relevant details or contrasting it with alternative options like driving or public transport.

Common error

Avoid using "decided to walk" without explaining the reason behind the decision. Simply stating the decision lacks impact if the reader doesn't understand the context or motivation for choosing to walk.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decided to walk" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past decision or choice to travel by foot. Ludwig shows its frequent use in various contexts to describe someone's action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decided to walk" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a past decision to travel on foot. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's frequently used in news and media contexts. Alternatives like "chose to walk" or "opted to walk" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, ensure the context provides a clear reason for the decision to walk, enhancing the reader's understanding. Overall, "decided to walk" is a versatile and easily understood phrase suitable for various writing styles and contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chose to walk

Emphasizes the selection of walking as an option.

opted to walk

Suggests a deliberate choice of walking, possibly over other options.

made the decision to walk

Highlights the process of making a decision.

elected to walk

Implies a formal or conscious decision to walk.

took the decision to walk

Indicates a moment of deciding.

resolved to walk

Indicates a firm decision to walk, suggesting determination.

determined to walk

Emphasizes a strong will to walk.

settled on walking

Suggests that walking was chosen after considering other options.

thought to walk

A slightly less direct way of saying 'decided to walk'.

inclined to walk

Suggests a preference for walking.

FAQs

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

You can use "decided to walk" to indicate a choice to travel by foot instead of another method, such as "After the concert, they "decided to walk" home because the traffic was heavy".

What are some alternatives to "decided to walk"?

Alternatives include "chose to walk", "opted to walk", or "elected to walk", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "decided to walk" or "made the decision to walk"?

"Decided to walk" is more concise and commonly used. "Made the decision to walk" is more emphatic but can sometimes sound redundant. Choose the phrasing that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

What does it imply when someone "decided to walk"?

It often implies a conscious choice, potentially for reasons like enjoying the scenery, getting exercise, avoiding traffic, or when other transport is unavailable.