decides on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decides on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a choice or decision made regarding a particular matter or option. Example: "After much deliberation, the committee finally decides on the new policy for the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who decides on these mad taxes?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Suppose he decides on Nat.

The New Yorker

Who decides on compensation claims?

The New York Times

Mr. Irwin later decides on Anita Yavich.

The New York Times

She eventually decides on "aging gracefully".

The New York Times

Who decides on the range and limits of your awareness?

The New Yorker

Midway through the season, the staff decides on the finalists.

The New York Times - Sports

Inside the emergency room John decides on a desperate measure.

The New York Times

An independent assessor decides on the exact sum.

The Guardian

"If the attorney general decides on an indictment..

The Guardian

She finally decides on a little what-not-dish costing five dollars.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decides on", ensure the context clearly indicates who is making the decision and what the options are. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using alternative prepositions with "decides". "Decides on" is the correct form; using "decides about" or "decides for" can be grammatically incorrect or sound awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "decides on" functions as a dynamic verb, indicating an action of choosing or determining something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "decides on" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used expression to indicate making a choice or determination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for a wide range of contexts, with prominent usage in News & Media and Scientific domains. When using "decides on", ensure clarity about who is making the decision and what options are being considered. Avoid substituting the preposition with alternatives like "about" or "for". Alternatives like "settles on", "opts for", and "chooses" can offer nuanced ways to express the same concept. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively and accurately use "decides on" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

settles on

Indicates a final choice after considering alternatives.

opts for

Suggests a deliberate selection from available options.

chooses

A simple and direct synonym for making a selection.

selects

Implies a careful choice from a set of possibilities.

determines

Highlights the act of figuring out or establishing something definitively.

resolves

Emphasizes a firm decision to take a specific course of action.

concludes

Indicates reaching a decision after some thought or investigation.

makes a decision about

A more verbose alternative emphasizing the decision-making process.

picks

An informal synonym for choosing or selecting.

establishes

Highlights the setting up or creation of a decision.

FAQs

What does "decides on" mean?

"Decides on" means to choose or select something after considering different options or possibilities. It implies a deliberate decision-making process.

How can I use "decides on" in a sentence?

You can use "decides on" when someone is making a choice from a range of options. For example, "After reviewing the proposals, the committee "settles on" the most cost-effective solution".

What are some alternatives to "decides on"?

Alternatives to "decides on" include "chooses", "selects", "opts for", and "settles on", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "decides about" instead of "decides on"?

While "decides about" might be used in some contexts, "decides on" is generally the preferred and more grammatically sound choice when referring to selecting from options or making a specific determination. "Decides about" is more commonly used when discussing the topic or subject of a decision.