decisively

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decisively" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action taken with certainty and determination, often in contexts involving decision-making or outcomes. Example: "The team decisively chose to implement the new strategy after reviewing the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can so called "free market" activists pull the blinkers away for long enough to see that failing to act decisively on greenhouse gas emissions will eventually restrict people's freedoms, rather than enhance them?

The Guardian

It is not too late to change, but if the UK's reputation is to be salvaged, the government needs to act quickly and decisively.

The Guardian - Opinion

If the home secretary could base her argument for denouncing the human rights convention on the strength of the Abu Qatada case — which Theresa May won — you'd expect Chris Grayling to argue even more strongly for pulling out of Strasbourg over the issue of life imprisonment for brutal murderers, an iconic issue on which the justice secretary has decisively lost.

The Guardian

Mick Cash, the RMT's general secretary, said: "Our members have today decisively rejected the pay package offered by Network Rail.

The Guardian

This move will only work if FF can move decisively into the SDLP space.

The Guardian - Opinion

In such a context, that the Paisleyites did not win more decisively last week was a comment on the profound distrust of vast layers of Northern Irish Protestant society for the intransigent and self-righteous politicians of the DUP.

The Guardian

The late appearance of a Democratic Labour candidate in this constituency may well have tilted this result decisively.

The Guardian

But the prime minister stressed his commitment to the coalition as Conservative and Liberal Democrat ministers prepared to meet across the cabinet table for the first time since the Lib Dems suffered severe losses in the local elections and saw voting reform decisively rejected by the public.

The Guardian

"From what I can tell we pretty decisively lost the 'battle of the story' in the media," Andrew Boyd emails me on Monday morning.

The Guardian

He warned staff that regulation and the wider economy were having a "significant effect on some parts of our business which we need to address proactively and decisively".

The Guardian - Business

"Unless the MDC acts, and acts decisively, now," he warned, "Zanu-PF will rule for ever and the MDC will fade into oblivion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decisively" to emphasize the firm and determined nature of a decision or action, particularly when highlighting its impact or finality.

Common error

Avoid using "decisively" when you mean "decidedly". "Decisively" means acting with determination, while "decidedly" means clearly or undeniably. For example, say "She acted decisively", not "She was decidedly happy" if you want to express a determined action.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "decisively" is to act as an adverb, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes acting in a decisive manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decisively" functions as an adverb to express determination and resolution in an action. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and well-suited for various contexts, although it commonly appears in news and formal business settings. To enhance clarity, avoid confusing it with "decidedly". Consider alternatives such as "resolutely" or "conclusively" for nuanced expression. Using "decisively" effectively strengthens your writing by emphasizing purposeful actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Resolutely

Indicates firm determination, similar to decisively but often with a stronger emphasis on personal resolve.

Conclusively

Implies a definitive and irrefutable outcome, focusing on the finality of a decision or result.

Definitively

Highlights the clarity and unambiguity of an action or decision, similar to conclusively.

Determinedly

Stresses the effort and resolve put into an action, often implying overcoming obstacles.

Unequivocally

Emphasizes the absence of doubt or ambiguity in a statement or action.

With determination

Rephrases the adverb into a prepositional phrase, emphasizing the act of determining.

With certainty

Highlights the confidence and sureness behind an action or decision.

In a conclusive manner

Transforms the adverb into a more formal and elaborate phrase.

Without hesitation

Focuses on the promptness and lack of doubt in taking action.

For good

Emphasizes the permanency of an action or decision.

FAQs

How to use "decisively" in a sentence?

"Decisively" is an adverb that modifies a verb, indicating that an action is performed with determination and resolution. For example: "The government acted "decisively" to address the crisis."

What can I say instead of "decisively"?

You can use alternatives like "resolutely", "conclusively", or "definitively" depending on the specific context.

Is "decisively" the same as "decisive"?

No, "decisively" is an adverb, while "decisive" is an adjective. "Decisively" describes how an action is performed (e.g., "He acted decisively"), while "decisive" describes something that settles an issue (e.g., "a decisive victory").

When is it appropriate to use "decisively" in writing?

Use "decisively" when you want to emphasize the determination, confidence, and finality with which an action is carried out. It's suitable for formal and informal contexts where clear and impactful action is being described.