individual decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "individual decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a choice made by a single person, emphasizing personal judgment or preference. Example: "Each team member is encouraged to make their individual decision regarding the project direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"That is an individual decision".

The New York Times

It is a very individual decision.

The Guardian

Ultimately, it's an individual decision.

Harvard University

"It's an individual decision," he says.

The New York Times

Ultimately, Dr. Calonge said, it's an individual decision.

The New York Times - Health

And so, you know, it's an individual decision.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

It's left to individual decision-making.

The New Yorker

Models of individual decision-making under certainty and uncertainty.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

More recently, there has been a lot of focus on individual decision-making.

The New Yorker

A. The more individual decision-makers you have, the greater depth you have to the market.

The New York Times

This paper examines cultural differences in individual decision-making in a corruption game.

Journal of Public Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In contexts where collective decision-making is also relevant, contrasting it with "individual decision" can highlight the differences in approach and outcome. Example: "While the team collaborated on the strategy, the final implementation was left to each member's individual decision."

Common error

Avoid using "individual decision" in contexts where collaboration or consultation is expected or necessary. Overemphasizing individual autonomy can undermine teamwork or shared responsibility. Make sure to weigh if the choice can have consequences on others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "individual decision" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a choice or determination made by a single person, as showcased by Ludwig's examples, emphasizing personal autonomy. Ludwig AI validates the correct usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "individual decision" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to emphasize personal autonomy in decision-making. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While alternatives like ""personal choice"" and ""independent determination"" exist, "individual decision" effectively highlights the role of personal judgment. When writing, avoid redundancy by not using "personal individual decision" and be mindful of situations where collaborative decision-making is more appropriate. Top authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

personal choice

This alternative emphasizes the personal aspect of the decision-making process, highlighting that the decision is based on personal preferences or values.

private judgment

This phrase underscores the privacy and autonomy involved in making a decision, suggesting it's based on one's own evaluation and reasoning.

independent determination

This option stresses the independence of the decision-making process, indicating that the individual is not influenced by external factors.

self-governed resolution

Highlights the self-control aspect of making an individual decision, the person drives himself towards a result.

autonomous selection

Focuses on the freedom and self-direction involved in choosing among alternatives, emphasizing the individual's control over the decision.

personal call

This is a more informal way of saying "individual decision", it means that the person is personally responsible for the result.

solitary decision

Implies the decision was made alone, without consultation or collaboration.

unilateral choice

This emphasizes that the decision was made by one party without agreement from others.

single-handed decision

Suggests the decision was made alone and possibly required effort or skill.

own volition

This alternative highlights that the decision was made willingly and without coercion.

FAQs

How is "individual decision" used in a sentence?

The phrase "individual decision" is used to describe a choice or determination made by a single person. For example, "Choosing a career path is often an individual decision based on personal interests and skills."

What phrases are similar to "individual decision"?

Alternatives to "individual decision" include "personal choice", "private judgment", or "independent determination", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "personal individual decision"?

While not strictly incorrect, "personal individual decision" can be seen as somewhat redundant since "individual" already implies that the decision is personal. Using just "individual decision" is often sufficient.

When is it appropriate to emphasize that a decision is an "individual decision"?

It's appropriate to emphasize that a decision is an "individual decision" when highlighting the autonomy and personal responsibility involved. This is especially relevant when contrasting it with group decisions or external pressures.