make decisions for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make decisions for" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when talking about someone making choices or determining a course of action for someone else. For example: - As the leader of the team, it is my responsibility to make decisions for the group. - Parents often have to make decisions for their children until they are old enough to do so themselves. - The lawyer will make decisions for his client's case based on the evidence presented in court.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To make decisions for a child seems easy by comparison.

The New York Times

It is about learning how to make decisions for yourself.

Independent

"If not, others will make decisions for us".

The New York Times

Unfortunately, when you're dead, people make decisions for you".

The New York Times

He wanted to work for himself, make decisions for himself.

The Guardian - Film

"People will make decisions for their own wellbeing".

The Guardian

Thousands are said to make decisions for Christ every year.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Well, it's easy to make decisions for other people.

The Guardian - Arts

"I can't make decisions for myself", she declares glumly.

The Guardian

"It's best when we make decisions for us, by us".

The Guardian

"We regularly hear that men make decisions for women.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about someone making decisions for another, ensure the context clarifies the reason and legitimacy behind this action. For instance, specify legal guardianship, medical necessity, or delegated authority.

Common error

Avoid using "make decisions for" in contexts where individuals retain autonomy. Instead, acknowledge their participation in the decision-making process, even if you are guiding them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make decisions for" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of choosing or determining a course of action on behalf of someone else. Ludwig provides numerous examples that demonstrate this usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make decisions for" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of choosing or determining a course of action on behalf of another person or entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly explains the rationale and legitimacy behind the decision-making process. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it is crucial to avoid overgeneralizing its scope in situations where individuals retain their autonomy. Remember to provide context to clarify why one entity is authorized to "make decisions for" another.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decide on behalf of

Focuses on the act of choosing or resolving something for another.

determine for someone

Emphasizes the act of establishing or concluding something for another person.

take decisions for

Highlights the act of taking action and making choices for another.

settle for another

Implies resolving or concluding a matter in place of someone else.

choose in place of

Emphasizes the act of selecting an option instead of someone else.

adjudicate for

Suggests acting as a judge or referee in making decisions.

govern the choice

Implies having authority to direct the selection.

rule the selection

Highlights the act of controlling the choices made.

dictate decision to

Focuses on instructing or commanding the decision.

resolve decision for

Suggests finding solution about the decision for another person.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "make decisions for" to sound more formal?

Consider using phrases like "determine on behalf of", "exercise decision-making authority for", or "act as a surrogate decision-maker for", depending on the specific context. These alternatives offer a more formal and professional tone.

When is it appropriate to use "make decisions for"?

It is appropriate when someone has been legally or ethically designated to choose on behalf of another, such as a guardian making choices for a ward, or a healthcare proxy acting for an incapacitated patient.

What are some less direct ways to say "make decisions for"?

Alternatives include "guide", "advise", or "influence" the decision, depending on the degree of control exerted. For instance, instead of saying "I make decisions for my team", you could say "I guide my team in making decisions".

What's the difference between "make decisions with" and "make decisions for"?

"Make decisions with" implies collaboration and shared decision-making, while "make decisions for" suggests that one person is choosing on behalf of another, often due to incapacity or legal authority.