sway a decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sway a decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the influence or persuasion of someone’s choice or judgment in a particular matter. Example: "The persuasive arguments presented by the lawyer helped to sway the decision of the jury."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Will it actually sway a decision one way or another?

The New York Times

University presidents, athletic directors, search firms and boosters have enough influence to sway a decision.

The New York Times

Super influencers typically have the power to sway a decision.

Forbes

Complex or costly taxes can sway a decision but are often only one factor.

Forbes

It could be argued that criteria should be removed from the decision-making tool if the point estimates of the different outcomes cluster closely around the neutral midline and thus do not sway a decision either way; however, all criteria were included in the first instance because they have been raised in various publications or during expert consultations.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But an average 4/5 stars from 1,000 reviewers the bandwagon effect can easily sway a buying decision, and with every additional "buy" the viral energy increases.

Forbes

Dr. Yancey's research was a survey, not a field experiment, so it's impossible to know how many of those academics who confessed to hypothetical bias would let it sway an actual decision.

The New York Times

Political pressure swayed a recent decision to build VW's compact sport utility vehicle at Wolfsburg, rather than in Portugal but that could be the last hurrah for the home team.VW's problems are particularly acute.

The Economist

Brand familiarity and loyalty can sway a potential purchaser's decision far more than preference or practicality.

Forbes

Knowing a person's weaknesses is especially useful - these can be used to sway a person into making rash decisions or doing things that benefit you.

WikiHow

In an attempt to measure word-of-mouth effectiveness, the research found that a message from the elite group of influencers -- eight to ten percent of consumers fall into this category -- is four times more powerful in swaying a recipient's purchasing decision.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sway a decision" when you want to emphasize the act of influencing someone's choice, often suggesting a degree of persuasion or subtle manipulation. The phrase is appropriate for discussions of influence in politics, business, or personal matters.

Common error

While "sway a decision" is acceptable, avoid overusing it, especially in very formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "influence" or "affect" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sway a decision" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of influencing a choice. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage in written English and offers examples of how it's used in context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sway a decision" is grammatically sound and used to describe the act of influencing a choice. Ludwig AI validates its usage, noting its appropriateness in discussing influence across various domains. While acceptable, it's advisable to use it judiciously, considering more neutral alternatives like "influence" or "affect" in formal contexts. Its frequency is uncommon, and it is primarily found in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Influence a decision

Replaces "sway" with the more neutral term "influence", focusing on the act of having an effect.

Affect a decision

Similar to "influence", but emphasizes the impact on the decision itself.

Impact a decision

Focuses on the force or effect on the decision.

Shape a decision

Highlights the act of forming or molding the decision.

Determine a decision

Suggests a stronger influence, where the factor effectively decides the outcome.

Guide a decision

Implies providing direction or advice that leads to a particular decision.

Color a decision

Indicates that something subtly affects the decision.

Tip the scales in a decision

Uses a metaphor to show that something provides a decisive advantage.

Bear on a decision

Focuses on how something has relevance for a decision.

Play a role in a decision

Highlights the participation or involvement of something.

FAQs

What does "sway a decision" mean?

To "sway a decision" means to influence or affect a choice, often through persuasion or emotional appeal. It suggests that the decision might have gone differently without the influence.

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

You can use "sway a decision" when describing factors that influence choices. For example, "The candidate's strong debate performance helped to "sway a decision" of undecided voters".

What can I say instead of "sway a decision"?

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

Is it better to use "sway a decision" or "influence a decision"?

"Influence a decision" is generally more neutral and suitable for formal contexts, while "sway a decision" implies a more persuasive or even manipulative approach. Choose the term that best reflects the intended nuance.