decisive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "decisive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or thing that is forceful, determined, and makes decisions quickly. Example sentence: His decisive leadership style made it easy for the team to make important decisions quickly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They might also be decisive in ensuring the party has its two-thirds majority.

The Guardian - Opinion

The difference between the two blocs may seem small, but it could be decisive.

The Guardian

After one attempt at devolution failed in 1979, they played a decisive role in bringing down the Callaghan government, whose fall was followed by Margaret Thatcher.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cameron's move added a sour taste to the highly emotional celebrations among supporters of the union after their decisive win in the referendum.

The Guardian

"It was far better to stop the momentum because it was assumed that if you had a referendum, which was legal, fair and decisive, that it would be decisive and that once you had that, that would be the end of it".

The Guardian

That they should miss two glorious opportunities to take a potentially decisive advantage seemed merely to underline the ­certainty of their looming ordeal.

The Guardian - Sport

This certainly broke from the agenda of Adonis's book, and it marked a decisive break, too, with an ambushed Clegg, who immediately got his objections into the media.

The Guardian

There is public goodwill if there is decisive and visionary leadership.

The Guardian - Opinion

The German goalkeeper is nothing if not decisive and beats the Algeria forward to the bouncing ball by a split second, heading it out for a throw-in before the inevitable collision between the two players.

The Guardian - Sport

An away goal was always likely to be decisive, and when it arrived on 22 minutes through Nilsson – after United felt they should have been awarded a free-kick for a foul on Sturrock – the balloon had been pricked.

The Guardian - Sport

So on that basis, I think we've got no choice but to take decisive action to end the danger of the Conservative party.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the finality of a decision, consider using "decisive" to convey that the matter is settled and no further debate is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "decisive" when a more specific adjective like "influential", "critical", or "definitive" would better convey the intended meaning. Overuse can dilute the impact.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "decisive" primarily functions to describe something that settles an issue conclusively. It indicates a quality of firmness and determination, as Ludwig highlights, often implying an end to debate or uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "decisive" is a valuable word to describe something that settles a matter conclusively, conveys the significance and impact of a decision or action, and it is commonly found in news media and formal business settings. Ludwig AI correctly identifies it as grammatically sound and readily usable in written English. When writing, consider using "decisive" to showcase a quality of firmness and determination. However, be mindful not to overuse the adjective and instead consider other options like "conclusive", "definitive", or "resolute" for more nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conclusive

Focuses on the finality of a decision or outcome, similar to "decisive" in implying a clear resolution.

definitive

Emphasizes the authoritative and final nature of a decision or statement.

resolute

Highlights the firm and unwavering nature of a decision or action.

determined

Focuses on the firmness of purpose in making a decision.

critical

Emphasizes the importance and potential impact of a decision.

pivotal

Highlights the turning-point nature of a decision or event.

momentous

Emphasizes the significant and lasting impact of a decision.

significant

Highlights the importance and potential consequences of a decision or action.

influential

Focuses on the power and effect of a decision on others.

imperative

Highlights the urgent and necessary nature of a decision or action.

FAQs

How to use "decisive" in a sentence?

You can use "decisive" to describe an action or decision that settles an issue clearly and effectively. For example, "The general made a decisive move that won the battle."

What can I say instead of "decisive"?

You can use alternatives like "conclusive", "definitive", or "resolute" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "decisive" or "indecisive"?

"Decisive" means able to make decisions quickly and effectively, while "indecisive" means unable to make decisions easily. They are antonyms.

What's the difference between "decisive" and "critical"?

"Decisive" refers to the act of making a firm decision or having a significant impact on the outcome. "Critical" refers to something of great importance or a turning point. A decisive action might be critical, but not all critical moments require a decisive action.