shape a decision

USAGE SUMMARY

"shape a decision" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts to refer to influencing or impacting a decision-making process. Example 1: The opinions of friends and family can shape a decision on where to go on vacation. Example 2: The data presented in the report will shape our decision on whether to invest in the new project or not. Example 3: The candidate's stance on important issues will shape voters' decisions in the upcoming election. Example 4: The traumatic event she experienced as a child shaped her decision to become a social worker and help others in need. Example 5: Company culture can greatly shape employees' decisions on whether to stay with a company or look for new opportunities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That can still be the case here, if the justices have the wisdom and vision to look beyond the tangled circumstances in Florida and shape a decision about extracting the people's verdict from the nearly six million votes cast in Florida.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Analysis: How do we visualize, evaluate, distill, and otherwise exploit information to shape a decision-support product useful to the decision facing the citizens being supported?

Huffington Post

A new study counted up the number of times the decisions of state high courts were followed in other states — in other words, how often one state's decision played a direct role in shaping a decision elsewhere.

The New York Times

In "Ransom," Priam reflects sourly on his long life of ceremony: In his own world a man spoke only to give shape to a decision he had come to, or to lay out an argument for or against.

The New Yorker

The issue has only been considered within the game theory framework [12], [13], where a not growing network of players is shaped in a decision game.

Plosone

And even prospects who are offered interviews rarely gain real insight into how a particular company is run, how the company manages, or other important indicators that could help shape an informed decision.

Huffington Post

He said he had to get into game shape to make a decision.

The New York Times - Sports

A variety of factors can shape a couple's decision to undergo a pregnancy.

BMJ Open

This new configuration consists of driver-side smartphone application, centric traffic prediction, and decision-maker units, which will shape a new approach of decision-making processes.

Journal of Modern Transportation

The Dream Chaser design keeps the exact outer shape from the HL-20 — a decision that allows Sierra Nevada to take advantage of years of wind tunnel tests that Langley had performed — while modifying the design within.

The New York Times - Science

He did not participate in the early part of Jets' training camp, but he trained with the idea that he would try to get in shape to play before making a decision.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shape a decision" when you want to emphasize the act of influencing the direction or outcome of a decision-making process, suggesting a proactive role in guiding the final choice.

Common error

Avoid using "shape a decision" when the influence is minimal or indirect. Opt for words like 'affect' or 'impact' if the context doesn't support a direct, formative role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shape a decision" functions as a verb phrase where "shape" acts as a transitive verb, taking "a decision" as its object. It describes the act of influencing or forming a decision.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shape a decision" effectively conveys the act of influencing the direction or outcome of a choice. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not overly frequent, it appears across reputable news sources and scientific publications. It is often interchangeable with alternatives like "influence a decision" or "mold a decision", but it's important to ensure its usage reflects a direct, formative role in the decision-making process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

influence a decision

Focuses on the act of having an effect on the decision without necessarily defining its form.

mold a decision

Suggests a stronger influence, akin to sculpting the decision into a particular form.

impact a decision

Highlights the effect on the decision, emphasizing its importance.

determine a decision

Implies a decisive role in the outcome of the decision.

affect a decision

A more general term for having an influence on a decision.

guide a decision

Indicates providing direction or leadership in the decision-making process.

form a decision

Emphasizes the creation and structuring of a decision.

contribute to a decision

Suggests playing a part in the decision, but not necessarily being the sole factor.

play a role in a decision

Highlights participation in the decision-making process.

have a hand in a decision

Suggests involvement or influence, often implying a direct impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "shape a decision" to describe how something influences the outcome of a decision-making process. For example, "The evidence presented will shape the decision of the jury".

What are some alternatives to "shape a decision"?

You can use alternatives like "influence a decision", "mold a decision", or "impact a decision", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "shape a decision" or "influence a decision"?

Both "shape a decision" and "influence a decision" are correct, but "shape a decision" implies a more active and formative role in the decision-making process.

What factors can "shape a decision"?

Many factors can shape a decision, including personal experiences, available information, expert opinions, and external pressures.