deciding for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deciding for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is making a decision on behalf of someone else or determining what is best for another person. Example: "I appreciate your input, but ultimately, I will be deciding for the team on this matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's Arabs deciding for themselves".

The New York Times

A lot of people must be deciding for themselves.

The New York Times - Food

Instead it handled the matter internally, deciding for itself what punishment was appropriate.

The New York Times - Magazine

We didn't vote them in and yet here they are deciding for us.

Independent

The first thing you know, they'll be deciding for themselves what they want.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Nobody here wants water," he'd inform the perplexed server, deciding for the rest of us.

The New Yorker

I'll let you know what we end up deciding for our research!

The Guardian - Sport

I look at the issues, qualifications and positions of the candidates before deciding for whom to vote.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Decide for yourselves.

Independent

Someone decided for me.

The New York Times - Magazine

Each must decide for himself.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deciding for", ensure the context clearly indicates who is making the decision and for whom. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "deciding for" in situations where it implies an overreach of authority or a disregard for others' autonomy. Always ensure the context supports the act of making a decision on someone else's behalf.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deciding for" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of making a choice or judgment that affects another person or entity. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase conveys the idea of someone making a decision that impacts others.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "deciding for" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to express making a choice or determination on someone else's behalf. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and scientific domains. While versatile, it's essential to use "deciding for" judiciously, ensuring the context supports the implication of authority or representation. Consider alternatives like "making decisions for" or "choosing on behalf of" to fine-tune the intended meaning. Avoiding the assumption of unwarranted authority is crucial for ethical and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making decisions for

Replaces the verb "deciding" with the noun phrase "making decisions", emphasizing the act of decision-making.

choosing on behalf of

Focuses on the selection aspect of deciding, specifying that it's done for someone else.

determining in place of

Highlights the substitution of one's own decision-making with another's.

settling for someone

Implies reaching a conclusion or resolution for another person's situation.

opting for another

Emphasizes the selection of one option over others for someone else's benefit.

ruling in favour of

Conveys a sense of judgment or official decision-making for someone's cause.

judging on behalf of

Highlights the act of evaluating and making a judgment for someone else.

concluding for somebody

Focuses on reaching a conclusion or final decision for another person.

resolving on behalf of

Emphasizes the act of finding a solution or resolution for someone else's problem.

arbitrating for

Implies acting as a neutral third party to make a decision in a dispute.

FAQs

What does "deciding for" mean?

The phrase "deciding for" means making a choice or determination on behalf of someone else, often implying taking responsibility for the outcome of that decision.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "deciding for"?

It's appropriate when you are explicitly making a choice that will affect someone else, such as "President Obama believes that women should make personal health care decisions for themselves rather than their bosses "deciding for them"".

What are some alternatives to "deciding for"?

Alternatives include "making decisions for", "choosing on behalf of", or "determining in place of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "deciding for someone" or "deciding on behalf of someone"?

Both are correct, but "deciding for someone" is more direct, while "deciding on behalf of someone" is more formal and emphasizes acting as a representative.