fateful decision

USAGE SUMMARY

"fateful decision" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a decision that has significant and possibly negative consequences. Example: "The CEO's fateful decision to merge with a struggling company resulted in the downfall of their once successful business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Fateful decision.

The New York Times

It was a fateful decision.

The New Yorker

His fateful decision saved his family.

The Washington Post

It was to prove a fateful decision.

The Guardian - Sport

It would be a fateful decision.

The Guardian

In a fateful decision, he chose health care.

The New Yorker

It was a fateful decision, personally and professionally.

The New Yorker

That afternoon, Kapitänleutnant Heinicke made a fateful decision.

The Washington Post

By late December, Mr. Giuliani made a fateful decision.

The New York Times

And that was before his fateful decision to eject Totti.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And because of a fateful decision, he is here, with me, today.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you use "fateful decision", ensure the context clearly indicates who made the decision and the nature of its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "fateful decision" for everyday choices. Reserve it for situations where the decision truly alters the course of events or has significant consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fateful decision" functions as a noun phrase, where "fateful" modifies "decision". Ludwig examples show it describing choices with significant, often negative, consequences. This construction highlights the importance and impact of the decision itself.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fateful decision" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, according to Ludwig AI. It aptly describes a decision carrying significant weight and potential for altering future events. Predominantly found in news and encyclopedia sources, its register leans towards neutral to formal. To use it effectively, reserve it for truly impactful decisions, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts. Remember, the phrase isn't inherently negative; its impact can be either positive or adverse. When looking for alternatives, consider "pivotal choice", "critical determination", or "momentous judgment" to convey nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pivotal choice

Emphasizes the turning point aspect of the decision.

critical determination

Highlights the importance and decisiveness of the action.

momentous judgment

Stresses the historical significance of the decision.

consequential ruling

Focuses on the impact and outcomes of the decision.

ill-fated choice

Specifically implies a negative or unfortunate outcome.

landmark resolution

Suggests a decision that sets a new precedent.

game-changing call

Highlights the transformative effect of the decision.

turning point

Highlights the start of something new that is originated by the decision.

life-altering decision

Highlights the big impact of the decision over someone's life.

crucial decision

Highlights how decisive or important is a decision.

FAQs

How can I use "fateful decision" in a sentence?

You can use "fateful decision" to describe choices that significantly alter the course of events. For example, "The general's "fateful decision" to retreat saved many lives, but it also cost them the battle."

What are some alternatives to "fateful decision"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "pivotal choice", "critical determination", or "momentous judgment".

What implications does a "fateful decision" carry?

A "fateful decision" often implies high stakes and potentially irreversible consequences, influencing future events in a significant way.

Is "fateful decision" always negative?

While often associated with negative outcomes, a "fateful decision" can also lead to positive results, though it always signifies a turning point with substantial impact.