make a resolution

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a resolution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of deciding to do something or to make a change. For example: "At the start of the New Year, I decided to make a resolution to read one book every month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Hence the fact that 38% of Americans never make a resolution and 17% do so infrequently.

The Guardian

The scope of the claims, and the politically charged nature of some, could make a resolution difficult.

The New York Times

If you make a resolution this year, it should be to be more like him in 2016.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For a start, there is no such thing as a single, unified "Congress" that can truly make a resolution — a fact that's easily overlooked.

The New Yorker

Using flattened shapes and fruity colors, Shibu Natesan pushes the envelope of Photo Realism toward eerie slow-motion silence in a large painting of a riot, "It Takes a Revolution to Make a Resolution".

The New York Times - Arts

"This year I resolved to be meaner," said a friend who lives down there and is sick of all the pious-looking gawkers, "because I wanted to make a resolution I could keep".

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

So I've made a resolution.

The New York Times

I've made a resolution.

The Guardian - Books

Despite all that, I've made a resolution for 2014.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Just made a resolution to quit quitting, that's all".

The New Yorker

A woman makes a resolution not to be bored with her summer weekends.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a resolution", ensure that the resolution is specific and measurable to increase the likelihood of achieving it.

Common error

Avoid making overly broad resolutions. Instead of "be healthier", try "exercise for 30 minutes three times a week" to make the resolution more actionable and trackable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a resolution" functions as a verb phrase, where "make" is the main verb and "a resolution" is the object. Ludwig AI suggests that it expresses the act of deciding to do something or to make a change. It commonly introduces a commitment to oneself.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a resolution" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of deciding on a course of action or setting a goal, often in the context of self-improvement. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is frequently used to declare intentions, especially around the New Year. It appears most often in news and media sources, but also in wikis and business contexts. To enhance your writing, ensure that your resolutions are specific and actionable, avoiding overly broad statements. Consider alternatives such as "set a goal" or "resolve to do something" for variety. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve to do something

Implies a firm and determined decision.

set a goal

Focuses on establishing a specific objective to achieve.

form an intention

Highlights the mental act of deciding to do something.

determine to act

Emphasizes the decisiveness and forthcoming action.

decide on a course of action

Emphasizes the decision-making process leading to a specific plan.

commit to a change

Stresses the dedication and effort involved in making a change.

pledge to improve

Suggests a solemn promise to make oneself better.

adopt a plan

Highlights the acceptance and implementation of a structured strategy.

undertake an endeavor

Focuses on starting a significant or challenging project.

establish a target

Focuses on creating a benchmark for assessing performance.

FAQs

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

You can use "make a resolution" to express the act of deciding to do something. For example, "Every year, I "make a resolution" to learn a new skill."

What's a good alternative to "make a resolution"?

Alternatives include phrases like "set a goal", "form an intention", or "resolve to do something", which all convey a similar meaning of deciding on a course of action.

Is it better to "make a resolution" or "set a goal"?

While similar, ""make a resolution"" often refers to a New Year's tradition or a more general commitment. "set a goal" can be used in any context and usually refers to a more specific, measurable objective.

What are some examples of resolutions people often make?

Common resolutions include improving fitness, learning new skills, managing finances better, and spending more time with family. These are all decisions to improve oneself in some way.