make a formal decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a formal decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of reaching a conclusion or resolution in an official or structured manner, often in a business or legal context. Example: "After reviewing all the proposals, the committee will make a formal decision regarding the funding allocation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

He explained that he often let choices "incubate unconsciously for a long time before I actually make a formal decision".

The New York Times

After that the commission has a few months to make a formal decision, but that is unlikely before the end of the year, Ms. Torres said.

The New York Times

While the British government has yet to make a formal decision, the new phase of the conflict plays to Britain's military strengths.

The New York Times

Authorities completed an investigation into HSBC Suisse for alleged tax-related offences earlier this year, turning over a file to prosecutors to make a formal decision.

The Guardian

Gosh's charity said it was in discussions with the Charity Commission about keeping the donations and said its trustees would make a formal decision next month.

The Guardian

The UUP has yet to make a formal decision, but David Trimble, its leader, looks set to say that his party will talk to both governments and all other parties except Sinn Fein.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Republican Party officials in Indiana said Mr. Daniels had not made a formal decision to enter the 2004 race for governor.

The New York Times

Mr. Molinaro said that many people on Staten Island like the raceway proposal, although most elected officials say they have not made a formal decision whether to support it.

The New York Times

While Moody's has not made a formal decision, Mr. Siegel said it was likely that the agency would continue to rate mortgage pools that include loans from New York City.

The New York Times

Sabathia was more diplomatic, saying that he had not made a formal decision but that he would rather spend spring training getting used to the Yankees.

The New York Times

A Fox News spokeswoman went a little further, saying in an e-mail message, "Geraldo would have to step aside as soon as he made a formal decision, and we're continuing to monitor the situation".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When documenting important strategic decisions, use the phrase "make a formal decision" to underscore the structured process and authority involved.

Common error

Avoid using "make a formal decision" when you simply mean making a well-informed choice. "Formal" refers to the process, not the amount of information considered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a formal decision" functions as a verb phrase, with "make" as the main verb and "a formal decision" as the direct object. It denotes the act of arriving at a conclusion or resolution through an established and official process, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a formal decision" is a commonly used phrase to describe arriving at a conclusion through an official, structured process. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across various professional and news contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to emphasize the procedural aspect of the decision-making process, distinguishing it from a simple choice. Alternatives like "reach an official determination" or "render a formal verdict" can provide similar meanings with slightly different emphasis. Avoid confusing "formal" with "informed"; the former refers to process, while the latter refers to the information considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

render a formal verdict

Emphasizes the official and conclusive nature of the decision, often used in legal or judicial contexts. Similarity score: 85

reach an official determination

Highlights the act of arriving at a conclusion through a structured or authorized process. Similarity score: 83

issue a formal resolution

Suggests a decision that is documented and serves as a formal statement of intent or policy. Similarity score: 80

come to a definitive conclusion

Focuses on the finality and certainty of the decision-making process, implying a clear and unambiguous outcome. Similarity score: 78

make a considered judgment

Emphasizes the thoughtfulness and deliberation involved in arriving at the decision. Similarity score: 75

adopt a formal position

Implies the taking on of a specific stance or viewpoint in an official capacity. Similarity score: 73

hand down a formal ruling

Commonly used in legal or authoritative contexts, highlighting that a judgment is officially delivered. Similarity score: 70

settle on an official course of action

Focuses on determining and committing to a specific plan in an authoritative way. Similarity score: 68

decree a formal settlement

Suggests a decision that is legally binding and officially resolves a situation. Similarity score: 65

establish an official agreement

Implies the creation of a legally binding arrangement through a formal decision-making process. Similarity score: 63

FAQs

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

You can use "make a formal decision" to describe reaching a conclusion or resolution in an official or structured manner. For example, "After reviewing all the proposals, the committee will make a formal decision regarding the funding allocation."

What can I say instead of "make a formal decision"?

You can use alternatives like "reach an official determination", "render a formal verdict", or "issue a formal resolution" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "make a formal decision" or "take a formal decision"?

"Make a formal decision" is the correct and more commonly used phrasing. While "take a decision" is acceptable in some contexts, "make a formal decision" specifically implies a structured and official decision-making process.

What's the difference between "make a formal decision" and "make a decision"?

While "make a decision" is a general term, "make a formal decision" implies a more structured, documented, and official process. The formal version suggests that the decision has been reached through established procedures and carries a certain weight or authority.