decides to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decides to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a choice or determination made by someone regarding a specific action or course of action. Example: "After much consideration, she decides to pursue a career in medicine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She decides to leave.

The New Yorker

He decides to take it.

The New Yorker

Maybe he decides to go.

The New Yorker

The Smithsonian decides to pass.

The New York Times - Books

He decides to kill it.

The New Yorker

Maybe he decides to stay.

The New Yorker

He decides to celebrate.

The New York Times

A week later, she decides to stay.

The New York Times - Health

Jack decides to see for himself.

The New Yorker

She decides to return to her marriage.

The New Yorker

Theodore decides to try it out.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decides to" when you want to clearly indicate that someone is making a conscious choice or determination to take a specific action.

Common error

Avoid using "decides to" in contexts where a simpler verb like "will" or "plans to" would sound more natural and less stilted. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decides to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate act of making a choice or determination. It connects a subject with a specific action they intend to perform. As Ludwig AI states, it's usable in written English for indicating a choice or determination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

23%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decides to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that serves to indicate a conscious choice or determination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is well-suited for various writing contexts, though it's essential to use it judiciously to avoid unnecessary formality. This phrase is particularly prevalent in News & Media, Encyclopedia, and Wiki sources. Related alternatives include "chooses to", "opts to", and "resolves to", each carrying slightly different nuances. When writing, ensure the phrase accurately reflects a thoughtful decision-making process and doesn't sound stilted. Ludwig's analysis and examples provide a clear understanding of its usage and potential alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opts to

Replaces "decides" with "opts", suggesting a choice between options.

chooses to

Substitutes "decides" with "chooses", emphasizing a deliberate selection.

resolves to

Emphasizes determination and commitment in the decision.

makes the decision to

Adds emphasis by explicitly stating the act of making a decision.

determines to

Replaces "decides" with "determines", indicating a firm conclusion.

comes to the conclusion to

Highlights the process of reaching a decision through reasoning.

has come to a decision to

Indicates a decision has been reached after some consideration.

sees fit to

Implies that the decision is based on what someone deems appropriate or necessary.

takes the step to

Focuses on the action taken as a result of the decision.

elects to

Similar to "chooses to" but can imply a more formal or official selection.

FAQs

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

The phrase "decides to" is used to indicate that someone has made a choice or determination to do something. For example: "After careful consideration, she "decides to" accept the job offer."

What are some alternatives to "decides to"?

Alternatives to "decides to" include "chooses to", "opts to", "resolves to", or "determines to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "decides to" and "chooses to"?

While both phrases indicate a selection, "decides to" often implies a more deliberate process of weighing options, while "chooses to" can suggest a simpler preference. The difference is subtle and often context-dependent.

When is it appropriate to use "decides to" in formal writing?

"Decides to" is appropriate in formal writing when you want to clearly convey that a conscious decision has been made. However, avoid overusing it, as simpler alternatives may be more concise and impactful in some cases.