make up your mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make up your mind" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to come to a decision or showed them that you are expecting them to decide. For example: "If you can't make up your mind by the end of the week, I'll have to make the decision for you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Make up your mind!

The New York Times - Arts

Can't make up your mind?

The New York Times

Make up your mind, McCain campaign.

The Economist

"Just make up your mind," she said.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I've warned people, make up your mind".

The New York Times

It is called make up your mind.

The Guardian - Business

"Just make up your mind," Laura Bush told her husband.

The New Yorker

Can't make up your mind between jazz and the classics?

The New York Times

You just have to make up your mind.

The New York Times

In the end, you have to make up your mind.

The New York Times - Sports

You may as well make up your mind to that".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make up your mind" when you want to encourage someone to come to a clear decision after a period of uncertainty or hesitation.

Common error

Avoid using "make up your mind" when a more specific verb like "decide" or "determine" would provide greater clarity. For example, instead of saying "Make up your mind about the budget", try "Finalize the budget allocation" to ensure a more precise course of action is stated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make up your mind" functions as an idiomatic expression used to urge or advise someone to come to a decision. Ludwig examples show it used in diverse contexts, from personal choices to political stances, indicating its adaptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make up your mind" is a common and grammatically sound way to encourage someone to reach a decision, as affirmed by Ludwig. It's versatile, appearing in news, wikis, and business contexts, though slightly more informal. While "make up your mind" is generally acceptable, remember that more formal alternatives like "decide" or "determine" might be more appropriate in certain situations. The variety of examples available through Ludwig underscores its widespread usage and adaptability to different scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a decision

A more formal way to say "decide".

decide

A direct and simple synonym, lacking the idiomatic flavor.

reach a decision

More formal and emphasizes the conclusion of a deliberation process.

come to a conclusion

Similar to "reach a decision" but can also imply resolving an issue.

determine

Implies a more thorough and careful consideration before deciding.

resolve

Suggests overcoming doubt or conflicting opinions.

settle on

Implies choosing from a limited number of options.

form an opinion

Focuses on the mental process of developing a viewpoint.

take a position

Suggests choosing a side or opinion on a specific topic.

arrive at a judgment

A formal synonym suggesting careful deliberation and assessment of the facts.

FAQs

How can I use "make up your mind" in a sentence?

You can use "make up your mind" to encourage someone to reach a decision. For example, "You need to "make a decision" soon; it's time to "make up your mind"".

What does it mean to "make up your mind"?

To "make up your mind" means to decide or reach a firm decision about something. It suggests resolving any doubts or uncertainties you may have.

What can I say instead of "make up your mind"?

You can use alternatives like "decide", "reach a decision", or "come to a conclusion" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "make up your mind" in formal writing?

While "make up your mind" is widely understood, it's often more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using "determine" or "reach a decision" to maintain a professional tone.