he decided upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he decided upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a choice or conclusion that someone has reached after consideration. Example: "After much deliberation, he decided upon the best course of action for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"It feels very soft, almost folky looking," said Eugene Souleiman of the low ponytail he decided upon for the show.

The New York Times

He told her about his career, which he decided upon after watching a heart transplant on "Nova".

The New York Times

What he decided upon was Central Park, where, as a New York City native, he hung out at Bethesda Terrace and roller skated around the grounds.

The New York Times

He decided upon Epano Englianos, a hilltop in Messenia, five miles north of the Bay of Navarino, as the probable site of Nestor's palace.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But as an independent, Mr. Deshmukh had no symbol; after considering choices offered by the election bureau, he decided upon an image of a television.

The New York Times

After completing his military service, "motivated by intellectual curiosity," as he wrote in a Nobel biographical sketch, he "decided upon a career in medical research at a time when such a choice was not fashionable".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Having painfully endured the "Teutonic rubbish" of German food, he decides, upon coming home, to end his life in "the comfortable, broad, placid rapture of his blessed province," smugly cultivating "the twin gods of the hearth and of French cookery".

The New Yorker

When the Count of Westmoreland discovers his mistress, Dolly, among the revelers one night, he decides upon an elaborate trick: his servants carry the passed-out Sly to the count's castle, dress him in finery and then pretend, when he comes to, that he is the count, arisen from a long illness.

The New York Times - Arts

Whether intentionally or not, Obama has given the impression that he still has profound misgivings about a course of action he says he already decided upon.

The New Yorker

He eventually decided upon Kakashi, and remains glad that he did to this day.

Wikipedia

He became interested in comparative anatomy, and, before his 16th birthday, he had decided upon a surgical career.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he decided upon" when you want to emphasize the deliberateness of a decision, suggesting that it was reached after careful consideration of alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "he decided upon" in very casual or informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "he chose" or "he picked" would sound more natural. Overly formal language can sometimes make your writing seem stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he decided upon" functions as a verb phrase indicating a completed action of making a choice or resolution. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts, indicating a somewhat formal selection process. Ludwig AI indicates that is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he decided upon" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to convey a deliberate and considered decision. While Ludwig indicates its correctness and usability, the phrase is more formal and less frequently used than simpler alternatives like "he chose". As seen in examples from news sources, encyclopedias, and Wikipedia, "he decided upon" typically appears in contexts where a more thoughtful selection process is being emphasized. When writing, reserve "he decided upon" for situations where you want to highlight the careful consideration behind a decision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he chose

Direct synonym, focusing solely on the selection aspect.

he selected

Similar to 'chose', but implies a more careful or deliberate selection process.

he opted for

Indicates a choice between multiple options, often implying a preference.

he settled on

Suggests a final decision after considering other possibilities, possibly implying compromise.

he determined

Emphasizes the process of reaching a firm conclusion.

he resolved

Highlights the firmness and finality of the decision.

he made a decision

A more verbose but still direct alternative.

he came to the conclusion

Focuses on the reasoning process leading to the decision.

he made up his mind

Indicates that someone has overcome hesitation and reached a decision.

he arrived at a decision

Like 'came to the conclusion', emphasizes the process of deliberation.

FAQs

How can I use "he decided upon" in a sentence?

Use "he decided upon" to indicate a deliberate choice or resolution after considering various options. For example: "After reviewing the proposals, "he decided upon" the most cost-effective solution".

What are some alternatives to "he decided upon"?

Alternatives include "he chose", "he selected", or "he opted for". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "he decided upon" more formal than "he chose"?

Yes, "he decided upon" generally carries a more formal tone than ""he chose"" or "he picked". It suggests a more considered and deliberate decision-making process.

When should I avoid using "he decided upon"?

Avoid using "he decided upon" in informal settings or when describing trivial choices. In such cases, a simpler verb like ""he chose"" or "he picked" is often more appropriate.