major decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an important or significant choice that needs to be made. Example: "The board is faced with a major decision regarding the future of the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

O.K., major decision time.

The New York Times

"We just talked over every major decision.

The New Yorker

They knew it was a major decision.

Yale University

Her first major decision as an adult?

The Washington Post

• Tim Roth could be facing a major decision this week.

The Guardian - Film

"You can see him contemplating some major decision.

The New York Times

"Every major decision he has deferred to me.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The Israelis were relieved that Secretary Powell left the major decision-making in their hands.

The New York Times

The level of education greatly influences major decision-making in the household.

Pastoralism

YO, WI, and RI were the major decision-makers during the surgery.

Surgical Case Reports

Sanderson, who never lost at Iowa State, went on to score a 12-4 major decision.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger synonyms like "critical decision" or "pivotal judgment" if you want to amplify the sense of importance.

Common error

Avoid using "major decision" for minor or trivial choices. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact when a truly significant decision arises. Reserve it for situations with substantial consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major decision" functions as a noun phrase, where "major" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "decision". It describes the type of decision being made. Ludwig's examples show it consistently used to denote important choices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major decision" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a significant choice. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it is frequently used in news, science, and formal business contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to avoid overusing the phrase or applying it to trivial matters to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like ""significant choice"" or ""critical decision"" for nuanced emphasis. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase adheres to standard grammatical rules, making it a safe and effective choice for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant choice

Replaces "major" with "significant", emphasizing the importance of the choice.

critical decision

Substitutes "major" with "critical", highlighting the potential consequences of the decision.

important determination

Uses "determination" instead of "decision", indicating a more formal or conclusive choice.

key resolution

Replaces "decision" with "resolution", suggesting a firm decision to solve a problem.

pivotal judgment

Employs "pivotal" to underscore the turning-point nature of the judgment.

momentous choice

Replaces "major" with "momentous", giving a sense of historical or lasting impact.

far-reaching decision

Highlights the broad impact and consequences of the decision.

substantial determination

Uses "substantial" to emphasize the weight and significance of the determination.

consequential judgment

Focuses on the significant consequences that will follow the judgment.

strategic choice

Highlights the role of the decision in a broader strategic plan or goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "major decision" to describe a significant choice that has important consequences. For example, "The board is facing a "major decision" regarding the company's future direction."

What are some alternatives to "major decision"?

Alternatives to "major decision" include "significant choice", "critical decision", or "pivotal judgment", depending on the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "major major decision"?

Yes, saying "major major decision" is redundant. The term "major" already implies significance, so repeating it doesn't add further emphasis and can sound awkward. Stick to using ""major decision"".

When is it appropriate to use "major decision" over "minor decision"?

"Major decision" should be used when the outcome has significant consequences or implications, affecting a large number of people or resources. A "minor decision" is more suitable for choices with limited impact or scope.