making a decision

USAGE SUMMARY

"making a decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of considering different options and choosing one from them. For example: "Making a decision can be difficult when presented with many different options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's called making a decision.

The New York Times - Sports

It's making a decision between different choices.

Cornell University

"Nobody is making a decision," he said.

The New York Times

Then, "Now I am making a decision.

The New Yorker

And that's not making a decision".

The New York Times - Magazine

SHOPPER 46 is making a decision.

The New York Times

"I have a very difficult time making a decision.

The New York Times

With whom might she consult before making a decision?

Harvard University

What is the time frame for making a decision?

Cornell University

What is your timetable for making a decision?

Columbia University

SyMSim facilitates making a decision regarding a required equipment.

Procedia Computer Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use active voice to emphasize agency and responsibility in "making a decision". For example, instead of "A decision was made by the committee", write "The committee made a decision".

Common error

Don't leave the decision-maker ambiguous. Instead of saying "A decision was made", specify who made the decision to ensure clarity and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making a decision" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It commonly serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the act of choosing or resolving something. Ludwig AI indicates that the expression is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "making a decision" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase widely used to describe the act of choosing between options. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports and academic papers to everyday conversations. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who is making the decision and the factors influencing it. While alternatives like "deciding" or "reaching a conclusion" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. This phrase is very common and is supported by a wide range of authoritative sources, making it a reliable choice for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deciding

A more concise way of expressing the same action, differing in length and emphasis.

choosing

A simpler term for selecting between options, differing in formality.

reaching a conclusion

Focuses on the finality of the thought process, implying an endpoint to deliberation.

coming to a resolution

Emphasizes resolving a conflict or problem, adding a layer of problem-solving.

determining

Highlights the act of finding out or establishing something firmly, shifting the focus to certainty.

settling on

Suggests a process of accepting or agreeing on a choice, implying compromise or satisfaction.

opting for

Implies choosing one option over others, highlighting the element of preference.

selecting

Focuses on the act of choosing from a range of options, adding a sense of deliberate choice.

taking a call

More informal and idiomatic, suggesting immediate action and resolution.

electing to

Suggests a formal or conscious choice, often used in legal or political contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "making a decision" in a sentence?

You can use "making a decision" to describe the process of choosing between options. For example, "Making a decision requires careful consideration of all available information".

What are some alternatives to "making a decision"?

Alternatives include "deciding", "reaching a conclusion", or "coming to a resolution", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "making a decision" or "to decide"?

"Making a decision" is a gerund phrase often used as a noun, while "to decide" is an infinitive verb. The choice depends on the grammatical structure of your sentence. "Making a decision" can function as the subject of a sentence, whereas "to decide" would need a different construction.

What's the difference between "making a decision" and "making a judgment"?

"Making a decision" implies choosing between options, while "making a judgment" involves assessing or evaluating something. Although related, the nuance lies in whether a choice is made versus an assessment given. Try to think of "making a judgment" as formulating an opinion.