one-off decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one-off decision" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a decision made in isolation, not part of an ongoing policy or practice. For example, "The mayor made a one-off decision to raise taxes in order to fund infrastructure improvements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

What differentiates Safari Reader from the likes of Adblock Plus, if Wired's Epicenter blog has it right, is that you have to press the button each time you want to make those annoying/revenue-critical "distractions" disappear, on each new page, rather than making a one-off decision to banish ads.

The Guardian

Nick Poyntz-Wrigheadhead of life insurance at the FSA, said: "An annuity purchase is an important one-off decision that has long-term consequences for individuals if they get it wrong.

The Guardian - Money

In public appearances, Antonin Scalia, a member of the majority in Bush v. Gore, regularly offers this message to people who question him about the decision: "Get over it!" Even at the time, Bush v. Gore was treated as a kind of novelty item, a one-off decision that applied only to the peculiar facts then before the Justices.

The New Yorker

This approach to withdrawal fits with the notion that consent should be considered to be the initiation of a partnership between researcher and participant, rather than a one-off decision at a single point in time.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Listening in the U.S. was a popular option for Chinese tech companies last year, so it will interesting to see if Qihoo 360's move is a canary in the coal mine moment, or a one-off decision from a company that has struggled to manage its image outside of home turf.

TechCrunch

Both Chinese firms are waiting for the government panel's decision and CFIUS experts see the Ralls case as a one-off decision.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The Cloudflare CEO said he is aware that there's no right answer in this situation, and he's hopeful that the reaction to his company's move — and the moves of other key internet stakeholders — can kick-start a debate on how to manage cases of hate speech and other abhorrent content on the internet using a system rather than one-off decisions.

TechCrunch

It is easy to make one-off decisions and it doesn't really matter what happens in this Test match.

Independent

The measure seems likely to join the list of one-off decisions that turn out to be permanent, says Robert Chote, director of the IFS.

The Economist

Although narrow thinking can plague us at any time, we're especially susceptible to it when faced with one-off decisions, because we can't learn from experience.

Harvard Business Review

IT made a series of one-off decisions until about 2008, looking at individual solutions.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "one-off decision", ensure the context clearly indicates that the decision is not part of an ongoing series of actions or policies. This prevents misinterpretation of the decision's scope and impact.

Common error

Avoid treating a "one-off decision" as if it establishes a precedent for future actions. Clearly communicate that the decision is specific to the current situation and does not imply a change in policy or procedure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one-off decision" functions as an adjectival modifier describing the nature of a decision. It specifies that the decision is made singularly, intended for a particular situation and not to be repeated or used as a precedent. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

17%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "one-off decision" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a decision made for a specific, non-recurring situation. It functions as an adjectival modifier, clarifying that the decision is not part of an ongoing policy or practice. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though most examples are sourced from news and media outlets. When using "one-off decision", ensure the context makes it clear that the decision is unique and not intended to set a precedent. While not extremely common, understanding its proper use is key to clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one-time decision

Similar in meaning, but uses "time" instead of "off".

isolated decision

Emphasizes the singularity and lack of connection to other decisions.

singular decision

Highlights the uniqueness and non-recurring nature of the decision.

standalone decision

Indicates the decision is independent and not part of a broader strategy.

non-repeatable decision

Directly states the decision will not be, or cannot be, replicated.

unique decision

Focuses on the unprecedented character of the decision.

unprecedented decision

Highlights that there is no prior example or basis for the decision.

exceptional decision

Implies the decision was made due to extraordinary circumstances.

individual decision

Focuses on the autonomy and independence of the decision-making process.

discrete decision

Stresses the distinct and separate nature of the decision.

FAQs

How can I use "one-off decision" in a sentence?

You can use "one-off decision" to describe a decision made for a specific instance and not intended to be repeated. For example, "The company made a "one-off decision" to donate to the charity after the disaster".

What's the difference between "one-off decision" and "isolated decision"?

"One-off decision" emphasizes the non-recurring nature of the decision, whereas "isolated decision" focuses on the lack of connection to other decisions. The former highlights uniqueness in time, the latter in context.

Is "one-off decision" formal or informal?

"One-off decision" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the communication.

Are there synonyms for "one-off decision" that imply a similar meaning?

Yes, phrases like "unique decision", "singular decision", or "exceptional decision" can convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance you want to emphasize.