make a decision

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a decision" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to the act of deciding between two or more alternatives. For example: "I need to make a decision about which college to attend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But make a decision".

Independent

Eventually, we make a decision.

The New York Times

You think, make a decision.

The New Yorker

Why make a decision now?

The New Yorker

"Make somebody make a decision".

The New York Times - Sports

Then make a decision.

The Washington Post

"He wanted us to make a decision".

The New York Times

He seemed to make a decision.

The New Yorker

Why will no one make a decision?

Independent

We're going to make a decision.

The New York Times

"We'll make a decision," Minaya said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a decision", ensure the context clearly indicates what the decision is about. Provide enough information for the reader to understand the scope and importance of the decision.

Common error

In formal or academic writing, avoid overuse of the phrase "make a decision". Instead, use stronger verbs like "determine", "resolve", or "conclude" to convey a more authoritative and concise tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a decision" functions as a verb phrase, where "make" acts as a light verb and "decision" is the noun representing the act of choosing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression, frequently employed in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

16%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a decision" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of choosing between options. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is frequently encountered in written English. Its versatility allows it to fit seamlessly into various contexts, from news articles to academic papers, though more formal alternatives like "determine" or "resolve" may be preferred in certain settings. While "make a decision" is prevalent across diverse sources, it is most frequently found in News & Media. When using the expression, ensure the surrounding text provides sufficient context, specifying the nature and scope of the decision being made.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach a decision

Focuses on the completion of the decision-making process.

come to a decision

Emphasizes the process of arriving at a conclusion.

arrive at a decision

Similar to 'come to a decision' but may imply more deliberation.

take a decision

A less common but acceptable alternative.

determine

A more concise and direct way of expressing decision-making.

resolve

Suggests a firm and decisive action.

decide

The most basic and straightforward alternative.

settle on

Implies choosing from a range of options.

opt for

Highlights the act of choosing a specific option.

conclude

Suggests a decision based on reasoning and evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "make a decision" in a sentence to express the act of choosing between different options. For example: "I need to "make a decision" about my career path."

What are some alternatives to "make a decision"?

Alternatives to "make a decision" include "decide", "determine", "resolve", "reach a decision", or "come to a decision". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "make a decision" or simply "decide"?

While both "make a decision" and "decide" are correct, "decide" is often more concise and direct. However, "make a decision" can be useful when emphasizing the process or act of making the choice, rather than just the outcome.

When should I use "make a decision" instead of "take a decision"?

"Make a decision" is the more common and preferred phrase in American English. "Take a decision" is acceptable but less frequent. In most contexts, using "make a decision" will sound more natural.