it was decided

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was decided" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence when you are referring to some action or choice that was made in the past. For example: "After discussing the issue, it was decided that the school should install new security cameras."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was decided then".

The New York Times - Sports

It was decided.

The New York Times - Travel

"It was decided by force.

The New York Times - Sports

It was decided by will.

The New York Times - Sports

It was decided by energy.

The New York Times - Sports

Once it was decided, it was decided.

The New Yorker

So it was decided.

The Guardian - Travel

It was decided; I was in love.

The New York Times

By January, it was decided.

The Guardian

After the visit, it was decided.

The Washington Post

By June 2012 it was decided.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was decided", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what was involved in the decision-making process, even if it's not explicitly stated.

Common error

Avoid replacing "it was decided" with an active voice construction when the actor is unknown or unimportant. For instance, don't say 'Someone decided' if you want to keep the focus on the decision itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was decided" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a decision has been made. The agent performing the action is often omitted, placing focus on the decision itself. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was decided" is a versatile phrase used to report a decision or resolution without necessarily specifying the decision-maker. It's grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. Ludwig AI's analysis and the provided examples confirm its widespread usage and acceptability. While alternative phrases exist, "it was decided" remains a clear and effective way to convey that a decision has been made, making it an essential tool in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a decision was made

This alternative is a slightly more formal way of stating that a decision occurred.

it was agreed upon

This phrase emphasizes consensus and agreement in reaching the decision.

the resolution was

This alternative suggests a more formal or official decision.

the determination was

This highlights the process of determining or establishing something definitively.

the conclusion reached was

This emphasizes the process of deliberation and arriving at a conclusion.

they opted for

This phrase focuses on the act of choosing a particular option.

the choice was

This is a more direct way of stating what was chosen.

a consensus emerged

Emphasizes that a general agreement appeared.

the outcome was

This focuses on the result or consequence of a decision-making process.

the verdict was

This suggests a formal judgment or decision, often in a legal or competitive context.

FAQs

How can I use "it was decided" in a sentence?

Use "it was decided" to indicate that a decision has been made, often without specifying who made it. For example, "After careful consideration, "it was decided" to proceed with the project".

What are some alternatives to "it was decided"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a decision was made", "it was agreed upon", or "the conclusion reached was", depending on the context.

Is "it was decided" formal or informal?

"It was decided" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

What's the difference between "it was decided" and "they decided"?

"It was decided" uses passive voice, emphasizing the decision itself, whereas "they decided" uses active voice, emphasizing the actors who made the decision. Use "it was decided" when the actors are unknown or unimportant; use "they decided" when you want to specify who made the decision.