it was decided that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was decided that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a consensus or agreement that someone has come to on a certain topic or idea. For example, "It was decided that the company would move its headquarters to a new location."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was decided that it would be very modest.

Independent

It was decided that open pit mining would not work.

The New Yorker

It was decided that Michael would drive to Tallahassee alone.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was decided that Haug had really come in fourth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was decided that they had to be replaced.

The Guardian - Arts

"It was decided that I should contest the elections again.

The New York Times

It was decided that more work was needed on the case.

The New York Times

After due consideration, it was decided that he must be expelled.

The New Yorker

It was decided that the mountain must be attempted before the onset of the summer monsoon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was decided that they would approach Sandusky directly, rather than going to outside authorities.

The New York Times - Sports

It was decided that explanation should be demanded from the Spanish Government.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “it was decided that” to clearly convey a conclusion or resolution reached after a process of consideration or discussion. It is useful when specifying who made the decision is not as important as the decision itself.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overusing passive constructions like “it was decided that” can make your writing sound weak. Where appropriate, consider using active voice to specify who made the decision, e.g., “The committee decided that…”.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was decided that" functions as a clause introducer. It sets the stage for reporting a decision or resolution that has been reached. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English, making it a reliable choice for conveying information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was decided that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to introduce a decision or conclusion. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. Its prevalence across news, science, encyclopedias, wiki, and formal business contexts demonstrates its versatility. When using this phrase, remember to consider whether an active voice construction might be more direct. Explore alternatives like "it was agreed that" or "it was determined that" to fine-tune the meaning in your writing. While frequently used, vary your sentence structure by using alternatives and focus on using the active voice for clearer writing. This ensures your writing is both correct and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was agreed that

Implies mutual consent or consensus, focusing on the agreement rather than the decision-making process.

it was determined that

Suggests a more formal or official investigation or assessment leading to a conclusion.

it was concluded that

Emphasizes the reasoning process leading to a final judgment or summation.

the decision was made that

Highlights the act of making a decision, shifting focus from the outcome to the process.

it has been established that

Indicates that something has been proven or confirmed, often through evidence or repeated observation.

it was resolved that

Implies a formal decision, often made in a meeting or official setting, to address a problem or issue.

it was ascertained that

Suggests that something was found out for certain, usually through investigation.

it was judged that

Implies an assessment or evaluation was made, often in a legal or subjective context.

it was realized that

Suggests a sudden understanding or awareness of something, often implying a change in perspective.

it became clear that

Indicates that something gradually became evident or obvious over time.

FAQs

How can I use “it was decided that” in a sentence?

You can use "it was decided that" to introduce a decision or conclusion that has been reached. For example, "It was decided that the project would be postponed until next year".

What are some alternatives to “it was decided that”?

Alternatives include "it was agreed that", "it was determined that", or "the decision was made that", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with “it was decided that”?

While "It was decided that" is grammatically correct (passive voice), using the active voice (e.g., "The committee decided that") can make your writing more direct and engaging.

What's the difference between “it was decided that” and “it was agreed that”?

"It was decided that" implies a decision-making process, while "it was agreed that" emphasizes mutual consent or consensus. The best choice depends on the specific context.