such a decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "such a decision" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a decision that has been made or is about to be made. For example, "The board of directors had to make such a difficult decision in order to ensure the success of the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Such a decision may have unintended consequences.

The New York Times - Magazine

Such a decision will not be easy.

The New York Times - Travel

Landis could, however, contest such a decision.

The New York Times - Sports

Taking your parent's Victorian bedroom suite is such a decision.

The New York Times

Such a decision would have disrupted the plan.

The Guardian

Making such a decision, you will always be uninformed.

The New Yorker

He was compelled to take such a decision".

The Guardian

Such a decision was, of course, accompanied by considerable anxiety.

The New Yorker

What were the circumstances that led to such a decision?

The New Yorker

Where is their mandate for such a decision?

The Guardian

Making such a decision requires some complicated value judgements".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "such a decision", ensure the context clearly indicates which decision you are referencing, especially if multiple decisions are mentioned in the same passage.

Common error

Avoid using "such a decision" without a clear antecedent. Always ensure the reader knows exactly which decision you're referring to. If it is ambiguous, specify the decision more explicitly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "such a decision" functions primarily as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It refers back to a previously mentioned or understood decision, indicating a specific instance or type of decision. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "such a decision" is a grammatically correct and very common way to refer to a specific decision previously mentioned or understood in a given context. According to Ludwig, it serves to emphasize a particular choice or action and is used across various registers, primarily in news, science, and formal business contexts. When using "such a decision", ensure clarity by explicitly referencing the decision to avoid ambiguity. While its usage is generally straightforward, considering alternative phrases like "that kind of decision" or "the aforementioned decision" can enhance the nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that kind of decision

Emphasizes the type or nature of the decision being referred to, rather than the specific instance.

this type of decision

Highlights the category or classification of the decision.

a similar choice

Refers to a comparable selection or course of action.

that particular decision

Stresses the uniqueness or specificity of the decision in question.

the aforementioned decision

Formally references a decision previously discussed.

a comparable determination

Uses a more formal synonym for decision, implying a careful and considered judgment.

this course of action

Focuses on the action taken as a result of the decision.

the judgment in question

Highlights the evaluative aspect of the decision-making process.

a determination of this nature

Emphasizes the characteristics or inherent qualities of the decision made.

the choice at hand

Refers to the immediate selection or option under consideration.

FAQs

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

Use "such a decision" to refer back to a specific decision that has already been mentioned, as in, "Given the circumstances, "such a decision" was unavoidable."

What are some alternatives to "such a decision"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "that kind of decision", "this type of decision", or "the aforementioned decision" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "such a decision"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with ""such a decision"" can sometimes sound awkward. Rephrasing the sentence might improve clarity and flow.

What makes "such a decision" different from "a decision"?

"Such a decision" implies that you are referring to a specific decision that is already known or under discussion, whereas "a decision" introduces a new, unspecified decision.