decisions were taken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decisions were taken" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that choices or resolutions have been made, often in formal or official settings. Example: "After much deliberation, it was concluded that several important decisions were taken regarding the future of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unpalatable decisions were taken.

The Guardian

"Previous decisions were taken in good faith.

Independent

"All decisions were taken by President Saddam Hussein.

The Guardian

"We emphasize that no decisions were taken yet," he said.

The New York Times

Both decisions were taken against the advice of TfL.

The Guardian

Obviously, these decisions were taken a while ago.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Tax decisions were taken by the tax administration and not by the government.

The Guardian

In phase 1 decisions were taken that changed the balance of power between labour and capital.

The Guardian - Business

"When I arrived in 2003, decisions were taken on a four-year funding cycle.

The Guardian - Sport

In such an atmosphere, decisions were taken quickly – there was no long view.

The Guardian - Books

It was very interesting to me because I didn't know how the decisions were taken.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decisions were taken", ensure the context clearly indicates who made the decisions. If relevant, specify the criteria or process used in the decision-making.

Common error

Avoid using "decisions were taken" without specifying who made the decisions or what the decisions pertained to. Lack of clarity can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decisions were taken" functions as a passive construction indicating that choices or resolutions have been made. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It commonly appears to report or acknowledge that a decision-making process has concluded.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "decisions were taken" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to communicate that choices or resolutions have been made. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and suitable for written English. It is frequently seen in news and scientific contexts. While versatile, ensuring clarity regarding the decision-makers and the specifics of the decisions enhances its effectiveness. Alternative phrases like "choices were made" or "determinations were made" can provide subtle shifts in emphasis, depending on the desired nuance. By following best practices and avoiding vagueness, you can use this phrase effectively in various communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

choices were made

This alternative uses "choices" instead of "decisions", emphasizing the act of selecting between options. The phrase is highly similar in meaning and usage.

determinations were made

This alternative uses "determinations" suggesting a more formal and conclusive decision-making process.

resolutions were adopted

This alternative, employing "resolutions", implies a formal agreement or conclusion, often in a legal or organizational setting.

actions were decided

This alternative focuses on the actions that resulted from the decision-making process.

conclusions were reached

This focuses on the outcome of a deliberation or investigation, indicating that an agreement or understanding has been achieved.

a decision was reached

This is a singular version of the main phrase, emphasizing the singular nature of the decision.

courses of action were chosen

This focuses on the selection of a specific path or strategy.

policies were enacted

This alternative is used when the decisions refer to formal rules or guidelines that are put into effect.

judgments were rendered

The alternative is used in legal or formal contexts, indicating an official ruling or verdict was issued.

steps were agreed upon

This alternative implies a collaborative decision-making process, where multiple parties reached a consensus.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "decisions were taken" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "determinations were made" or "resolutions were adopted", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "decisions were made" or "decisions were taken"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and widely used. "Decisions were made" is slightly more common in general usage, while "decisions were taken" often implies a more deliberate or formal process. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

What does "decisions were taken" imply about the decision-making process?

The phrase "decisions were taken" suggests that a process of consideration and selection occurred, leading to specific choices or resolutions. It implies a level of intentionality and action in the decision-making process.

Can "decisions were taken" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, the phrase "decisions were taken" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its versatility makes it a useful choice in a wide range of writing and speaking situations.