make their own decisions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make their own decisions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing autonomy or the ability of individuals to choose for themselves. Example: "It is important for children to learn how to make their own decisions as they grow older."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"People make their own decisions".

The New York Times - Sports

They can make their own decisions.

The New York Times - Sports

"Liverpool make their own decisions," he shrugged.

Independent

Self-sufficient and autonomous robots necessarily make their own decisions.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

They like to make their own decisions.

The New York Times

They have to make their own decisions.

The New York Times - Sports

Companies will make their own decisions.

The Guardian

I let others make their own decisions".

The Guardian

Sanders: Israel will make their own decisions.

The Washington Post

"Everybody's got to make their own decisions," Mara said.

The New York Times - Sports

"But they (the FIA) must make their own decisions".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make their own decisions" when you want to emphasize the autonomy and independence of individuals or groups in their choices. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Ensure the pronoun "their" clearly refers to the intended subject to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "Students should make their own decisions", be specific: "Each student should make his or her own decisions" or "Students should make decisions as a group".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make their own decisions" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of choosing or determining something independently. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and suitability across various contexts. It emphasizes the subject's agency and autonomy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make their own decisions" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression that signifies autonomy and independence in choosing a course of action. Ludwig AI's analysis highlights its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal communication, it's important to ensure clarity in pronoun reference to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "decide for themselves" or "exercise their own judgment" offer similar meanings, but "make their own decisions" remains a versatile and effective choice when emphasizing the right to self-determination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decide for themselves

Emphasizes personal agency in decision-making; a slightly more concise alternative.

determine their own course of action

Focuses on the act of choosing a path or strategy, highlighting intention and direction.

exercise their own judgment

Highlights the use of critical thinking and evaluation in the decision-making process.

choose according to their own preferences

Underscores the role of personal tastes and inclinations in shaping choices.

be autonomous in their choices

Stresses independence and self-governance in selecting options.

have the power to choose

Emphasizes the authority and ability to make selections.

chart their own destiny

Implies taking control over the long-term direction of one's life or endeavors.

call the shots

An idiom suggesting ultimate control over decisions; less formal than the original phrase.

lay down the law

Implies making decisions with authority, often in a way that others must follow. It's more authoritarian than the original phrase.

paddle their own canoe

This idiom means to be independent and self-reliant. It is less direct than the original phrase and implies self-sufficiency.

FAQs

What does "make their own decisions" mean?

The phrase "make their own decisions" means to have the autonomy and freedom to choose or decide something independently, without external control or influence. It implies that individuals or groups have the authority to determine their own course of action.

How can I use "make their own decisions" in a sentence?

You can use "make their own decisions" in sentences like: "It's important for teenagers to "make their own decisions" about their future" or "The company trusts its employees to "make their own decisions" regarding project management."

What are some alternatives to "make their own decisions"?

Some alternatives to "make their own decisions" include "decide for themselves", "exercise their own judgment", or "determine their own course of action". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to let people "make their own decisions"?

While empowering individuals to "make their own decisions" is generally positive, there are situations where guidance or limitations are necessary, such as when decisions could harm themselves or others, or when they lack the necessary expertise.