deciding on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deciding on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are making a choice or coming to a conclusion about something. Example: "After much discussion, we are finally deciding on the best course of action for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

When deciding on the timing, competing considerations come into play.

The Guardian - Opinion

Each participant took a turn making or deciding on offers.

Science Magazine

After deciding on a plan, carry it forward.

WikiHow

When deciding on fullness, stick to your aesthetic.

WikiHow

Assess all injuries before deciding on a treatment.

WikiHow

Research local bakeries in your area before deciding on one.

WikiHow

Deciding on the order of installing one device by one.

WikiHow

Ultimately, deciding on a schedule is like deciding on a club.

The New York Times - Sports

Deciding on the right economic course is already difficult.

The New York Times

After deciding on their entrance, they practiced Izzard's exit.

The New Yorker

Deciding on the type of tariff can also be tricky.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deciding on", ensure that the context clearly indicates what options are being considered. For example, "After reviewing the proposals, we are deciding on the best vendor."

Common error

Avoid using "deciding on" without specifying the subject of the decision. Instead of saying, "We are deciding on it," specify what 'it' refers to: "We are deciding on the budget allocation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deciding on" functions as a prepositional phrase that often serves as part of a verb phrase. It indicates the action of making a choice or reaching a conclusion from a set of options. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

37%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "deciding on" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to express the action of making a choice or reaching a conclusion. As Ludwig highlights, it is versatile and appears across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific writing and wikis. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to use it precisely, ensuring that the context clearly indicates what options are being considered. Alternatives like "opting for" or "settling upon" can offer nuanced variations, but "deciding on" remains a straightforward and effective choice in many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

choosing

A general term for selecting one option from a set of possibilities.

settling upon

Implies reaching a final agreement or choice after considering various options.

opting for

Suggests actively choosing one option over others.

determining

Focuses on the process of finding out or establishing something definitively.

resolving

Suggests making a firm decision, often after some deliberation.

making a decision about

A more verbose alternative that emphasizes the act of deciding.

coming to a conclusion regarding

Formal and emphasizes the end of a thought process.

electing to

Implies a formal selection or choice.

picking out

Suggests a more casual selection process, often from a visible array.

concluding about

Implies ending a process of consideration with a particular judgement.

FAQs

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

Use "deciding on" to indicate the process of choosing something after considering options. For instance, "They are "deciding on" the color scheme for the new office".

What are some alternatives to "deciding on"?

Alternatives include "opting for", "settling upon", or simply "choosing". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "deciding on" or "deciding about"?

"Deciding on" is generally preferred when selecting from multiple options. "Deciding about" is less common and might be used when the focus is on the topic rather than the selection.

What's the difference between "deciding on" and "deciding between"?

"Deciding on" is used when making a choice from a range of possibilities, whereas "deciding between" is used when narrowing down a choice from two or more specific options: "I'm "deciding on" a restaurant" vs. "I'm deciding between Italian and Chinese food".