it can be decisive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can be decisive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the potential impact or importance of a particular factor or decision in a situation. Example: "In negotiations, understanding the other party's motivations can be decisive in reaching a favorable agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It can be decisive.

The New York Times

But in close races, it can be decisive".

The New York Times

A campaign's ground game is hardly the sole determinant in an election, but it can be decisive in a close contest.

The New York Times

The geography of the Middle East or Near East or whatever we're calling it now is tricky to hold onto, even as, at certain historic moments, it can be decisive.

The New Yorker

Furthermore, the Graphic User Interface (GUI) of an application is receiving greater attention, since it can be decisive in determining if the application is accepted or rejected by users.

Science of Computer Programming

While this might not seem like much, it can be decisive in close elections.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But I am always clear about the direction of travel and I can be decisive when I need to be.

The Guardian

"We are happy to accompany the development of Sigfox because the technology it offers can be decisive to accelerate the deployment of the Internet of things.

TechCrunch

Any fair-minded analysis demonstrates that persistent and patient diplomacy with Russia will yield many more rewards than disappointments, including in venues such as Syria, where its help can be decisive.

The New York Times

I've been waiting for a big performance from Figo and it might be there tonight - but Deco can be decisive.

The Guardian - Sport

So it means something when he says, as he did before Spain's second game: "Hopefully Andrés can be decisive – as he always is". "He gets better with every game," says Cesc Fábregas.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it can be decisive" when you want to emphasize that a particular factor or action might have a significant impact on the final outcome, especially in situations where the result is uncertain or finely balanced.

Common error

Avoid using "it can be decisive" when the effect being described is clearly minor or inconsequential. Overusing the phrase weakens its impact when a truly critical factor is at play.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be decisive" functions as a qualifier, indicating that something has the potential to significantly influence an outcome. Ludwig AI shows this is often used in contexts where the result is not guaranteed, but heavily impacted by the factor in question.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can be decisive" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to highlight the potential impact of a factor on an outcome. Ludwig AI indicates that it commonly appears in News & Media and Science contexts, showing neutral register and is used to emphasize importance, however without guaranteeing the result. Alternatives such as "it can be pivotal" or "it can be critical" may provide stylistic variety. Be sure to use the phrase judiciously, reserving it for scenarios where the potential influence is truly significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could prove crucial

Replaces "can be" with "could prove", suggesting a possibility rather than a certainty, while maintaining the emphasis on importance.

it can be pivotal

Substitutes "decisive" with "pivotal", highlighting the turning-point nature of the subject.

it can be critical

Uses "critical" instead of "decisive", indicating a high level of importance or necessity.

it can have a determining effect

Rephrases the sentence to focus on the "determining effect" rather than direct decisiveness.

it can be influential

Replaces "decisive" with "influential", suggesting a subtler but still important impact.

it can play a key role

Focuses on the "key role" played, indicating significance but with slightly less force.

it can make all the difference

Idiomatic expression emphasizing the significant positive impact something can have.

it can seal the deal

Informal idiom suggesting something can finalize or guarantee a desired outcome.

it can tip the scales

Figurative language conveying the idea of shifting the balance in favor of a particular outcome.

it can break the tie

Emphasizes the role of resolving a stalemate or close competition.

FAQs

How can I use "it can be decisive" in a sentence?

Use "it can be decisive" to emphasize the potential impact of a factor on the final outcome, especially when the situation is uncertain. For instance, "In close elections, voter turnout "it can be decisive"."

What are some alternatives to "it can be decisive"?

Alternatives include "it can be critical", "it can be pivotal", or "it can make all the difference" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it is decisive" or "it can be decisive"?

"It is decisive" implies a guaranteed impact, while "it can be decisive" suggests a potential influence. Choose the option that accurately reflects the certainty of the impact you're describing.

What is the difference between "it can be decisive" and "it might be helpful"?

"It can be decisive" suggests a significant influence on the outcome, whereas "it might be helpful" indicates a supporting role, but does not highlight the strong importance on the result.