independent decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "independent decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a choice made without influence or control from others. Example: "After careful consideration, she made an independent decision to pursue her own career path."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Attending surgeon supervision encourages the progressive independent decision making of residents, so that the resident achieves independence by the end of the chief residency.

Columbia University

At its best, mountaineering rewards shrewd and independent decision making.

The New York Times

In India, each doctor makes an independent decision about which devices to use.

Stanford University

By then, he was old enough to make an independent decision.

The Guardian - Books

We did not collude with other publishers in reaching an independent decision".

The New Yorker

It knows Mr Medvedev is an intermediary, not an independent decision maker.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

These regulations support the independent decision-making of GPs, who know what their patients need most.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Harmonise yes, but preserving independent decision-taking," Ayrault said in an interview.

The Guardian

And the collective result of all that independent decision-making was near-perfect.

The New Yorker

Then they performed an independent decision-making task in the MRI scanner.

Nature

They have "more to do with succession planning than with having a nexus of independent decision-making in the boardroom".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the absence of external influence, use "independent decision" to highlight the autonomy and self-reliance involved in the decision-making process.

Common error

Avoid using "independent decision" when collaboration or consultation played a significant role in the process. Ensure the phrase accurately reflects the level of autonomy involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "independent decision" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "independent" modifies the noun "decision". It signifies a choice or conclusion reached without external influence or control. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Academia

28%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

18%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "independent decision" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a choice made without external influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, although particularly frequent in news, academic, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects the autonomy involved in the decision. Consider alternatives such as "autonomous determination" or "self-reliant choice" to fine-tune the emphasis. Be mindful of the potential for overemphasizing independence when collaboration played a role. By using "independent decision" thoughtfully, you can clearly convey the self-directed nature of a choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

autonomous determination

Emphasizes self-governance and freedom from external control in making a decision.

self-reliant choice

Highlights the reliance on one's own capabilities and judgment when choosing.

unilateral judgment

Suggests a decision made by one party without needing agreement from others.

individual assessment

Focuses on the personal evaluation and conclusion reached by someone.

personal resolution

Implies a firm decision made by oneself to resolve a situation.

self-directed verdict

Highlights the self-determination aspect in reaching a conclusion or judgment.

free-thinking conclusion

Emphasizes that the decision was reached through original and uninfluenced thought.

separate determination

Indicates a decision made apart from others, implying no collaboration.

self-made call

A more informal way to say a decision was made independently.

discretionary action

Emphasizes the power or right to decide or act according to one's own judgment.

FAQs

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

You can use "independent decision" to describe a choice made without influence from others. For example: "She made an independent decision to start her own business."

What's a more formal synonym for "independent decision"?

A more formal synonym could be "autonomous determination", emphasizing the self-governed nature of the choice.

Is there a difference between "independent decision" and "personal choice"?

While both involve individual agency, "independent decision" emphasizes freedom from external influence, while "personal choice" simply highlights that the decision pertains to an individual's preferences or values. A "personal choice" might still be influenced by others, whereas an independent decision is self-directed.

When is it appropriate to use "independent decision" versus "unilateral decision"?

"Independent decision" generally carries a positive connotation, implying self-reliance and sound judgment. "Unilateral decision", on the other hand, suggests a decision made by one party without consulting others, which can sometimes be seen as negative or dictatorial. The appropriateness depends on the context and whether collaboration was expected or desired. While making an independent decision is fine, sometimes is better to avoid a "unilateral decision".