make a decision about

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a decision about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a choice one must make regarding an action or decision. Example: After much deliberation, I had 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

I couldn't seem to make a decision about anything.

The New York Times

"We'll make a decision about the domes shortly".

The New York Times

"His inability to make a decision about this woman".

The New York Times

The defender has yet make a decision about his future.

The Guardian - Sport

"Marvin has to make a decision about his life.

The New York Times - Sports

Make a decision about where that place is.

The Guardian

Carrie also must make a decision about Dar Adal.

The New York Times

This study investigates the information needed to make a decision about a system refactoring.

Procedia Computer Science

"It is not for the courts to make a decision about the election results," he said.

The New York Times

Mr. Barbour said he would make a decision about his future after leaving the governor's office.

The New York Times

"There were things I didn't need to make a decision about.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a decision about", ensure the object of the decision is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "make a decision about the budget" is more specific than "make a decision".

Common error

Avoid using "make a decision about" without specifying what the decision pertains to. Overly general statements can lack clarity and leave the reader unsure of the subject at hand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a decision about" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of choosing or determining something. It is typically followed by a noun or noun phrase that represents the subject of the decision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

23%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a decision about" is a versatile and frequently used phrase for indicating the act of choosing or determining something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its suitability for both formal and informal communication. While grammatically sound, it's crucial to specify the subject of the decision to maintain clarity. Alternatives like "decide on" or "determine" can be used for conciseness, but "make a decision about" remains a solid choice when expressing the process of reaching a conclusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make up your mind about

Implies resolving internal conflict or doubt to reach a decision.

decide on

Uses a more concise phrasal verb to express the act of choosing.

resolve

A single-word alternative that stresses firmness.

determine

Focuses on the act of finding something out definitively to inform a decision.

reach a conclusion regarding

Formal alternative emphasizing the endpoint of deliberation.

come to a resolution on

Highlights the problem-solving aspect of making a decision.

formulate a judgment concerning

Emphasizes the cognitive process of evaluation and assessment.

settle upon

Suggests a final and agreed-upon choice.

opt for

Implies a preference or selection from available options.

arrive at a verdict on

Suggests the resolution of an issue after evaluating options.

FAQs

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

You can use "make a decision about" when you want to express the action of choosing or determining something after considering different options. For example, "The committee needs to "make a decision about" the project's timeline".

What are some alternatives to "make a decision about"?

Some alternatives include "decide on", "determine", or "reach a conclusion regarding", depending on the formality and context.

Is it better to say "make a decision on" or "make a decision about"?

"Make a decision about" and "make a decision on" are both acceptable, but "make a decision about" is generally preferred when referring to a broader subject or topic. "Make a decision on" is often used when referring to a specific point or matter.

What's the difference between "make a decision about" and "come to a decision about"?

"Make a decision about" generally refers to the act of deciding, while "come to a decision about" implies a process of deliberation and eventual resolution. The latter suggests more thought and consideration.