decisive ruling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decisive ruling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts to refer to a judgment or decision that resolves a significant issue or dispute. Example: "The court's decisive ruling on the matter set a precedent for future cases."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But it wasn't a quick or decisive ruling: The jury's decision came down after District Judge William Alsup urged jurors to take the weekend to consider claims, after it had reached a partial decision last week.

TechCrunch

The group added, "This clear and decisive ruling sends a strong message to other states that are considering similar legislation".

The New York Times

This clear and decisive ruling sends a strong message to other states that are considering similar legislation".

The New York Times

Lower federal appellate courts have split on the question, creating a need for a decisive ruling from the Supreme Court that rejects the specious religious liberty claims.

The New York Times

The court's muddled, if decisive, ruling on Tuesday night gave Mr. Bush his long-sought victory, yet denied him clear, unclouded title to the Oval Office.

The New York Times

It appears to be the decisive ruling that should leave the government with no option but to hand over the letters.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The decisive rulings came on Friday when the Florida Supreme Court enjoined Florida's secretary of state, Katherine Harris, from certifying Gov. George W. Bush the victor on an incomplete count.

The New York Times

In the final gruesome hours of waiting, the American judicial system at its very highest echelons was involved – including the US supreme court, which issued the decisive final ruling.

The Guardian

WASHINGTON — Al Franken, the comedian turned politician, won a potentially decisive court ruling on Tuesday in his bid to replace Norm Coleman, a Minnesota Republican trying to hold on to his Senate seat.

The New York Times

The decisive judicial ruling establishing the unconstitutionality of laws banning the teaching of evolution came in the following year, in the Supreme Court's decision in Epperson v. Arkansas (393 U.S. 97 [1968]), which invalidated the Arkansas antievolution law.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Still, this type of information can be important, even decisive, to rulings.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decisive ruling" to emphasize the importance and finality of a judgment, particularly when it sets a precedent or resolves a significant dispute.

Common error

Avoid using "decisive ruling" in casual or informal writing. Opt for simpler terms like "final say" or "definitive answer" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decisive ruling" functions as a noun phrase, where 'decisive' modifies the noun 'ruling'. As indicated by Ludwig, it describes a judgment that is definitive and conclusive. It typically appears in sentences discussing legal or authoritative decisions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decisive ruling" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, particularly in formal contexts such as news, law, and academia. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It describes a judgment that is definitive and conclusive, emphasizing its significance and finality. While versatile, it is best suited for formal settings, with alternatives like "final decision" being more appropriate for informal use. Top authoritative sources using the phrase include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

definitive judgment

Highlights the conclusive and authoritative nature of the judgment.

conclusive verdict

Focuses on the finality and lack of ambiguity in the verdict.

landmark decision

Emphasizes the historical significance and impact of the ruling.

final determination

Stresses the ultimate resolution of the matter.

binding resolution

Highlights the legally enforceable nature of the resolution.

unappealable judgement

Highlights that judgment is not subject to appeal.

categorical pronouncement

Emphasizes the unambiguous and absolute nature of the ruling.

ultimate arbitration

Highlights the role of the ruling as a final arbitration.

authoritative decree

Stresses the power and influence behind the issued decree.

settled adjudication

Underlines the fact that the case has been adjudicated and is now settled.

FAQs

How can I use "decisive ruling" in a sentence?

You can use "decisive ruling" to describe a court decision that settles a legal matter definitively. For example, "The court's decisive ruling established a new precedent."

What are some alternatives to "decisive ruling"?

Alternatives include "definitive judgment", "landmark decision", or "conclusive verdict", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "decisive ruling"?

It's appropriate in formal contexts such as legal documents, news reports, and academic papers where you need to emphasize the importance and finality of a judgment.

Is "decisive ruling" more formal than "final decision"?

Yes, "decisive ruling" carries a more formal and often legal connotation compared to the broader term "final decision", which can be used in various contexts.