take a decision

USAGE SUMMARY

"take a decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain that you need to make a decision about something. For example, "We need to take a decision about which route we should take for our road trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Then we have to take a decision.

Independent

Then we will take a decision.

The Telegraph

"I could take a decision to block the port.

Independent

They have until this evening to take a decision.

Independent

I didn't take a decision not to think.

Independent

But, in the end, you have to take a decision.

The New Yorker

And when they take a decision, they do things.

Yale University

I am here and I must take a decision.

The Guardian - Sport

The time had come to take a decision.

The Guardian

The business managers would have to take a decision.

The Guardian

This complexity often makes managers take a decision, the outcome of which contradicts their original aims.

Technovation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take a decision" when you want to emphasize the moment or act of making a decision, especially in formal or professional contexts.

Common error

In casual conversations, consider using simpler alternatives like "decide" or "make up your mind" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a decision" functions as a verbal phrase, where "take" acts as a verb and "a decision" serves as the object. It signifies the act of making a choice or judgment. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take a decision" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies the act of making a choice or judgment. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While suitable for most situations, remember to consider more concise alternatives like "decide" in informal conversations. Key takeaways include its neutral register and the importance of understanding the nuances of its application, especially when aiming for precision in formal writing. Use it confidently, but always be mindful of the specific tone you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come to a decision

Similar in meaning but uses "come to" instead of "take".

make a determination

Replaces "take" with "make", emphasizing the act of forming a conclusion.

reach a conclusion

Focuses on the outcome of the decision-making process.

arrive at a resolution

Highlights the problem-solving aspect of making a decision.

make up one's mind

An idiomatic way of saying someone has decided.

decide on a course of action

Specifically refers to choosing a plan or strategy.

form an opinion

Emphasizes the development of a belief or judgment.

opt to

Implies a choice between different options.

resolve to

Suggests a firm and determined decision.

settle upon

Suggests a final choice after considering alternatives.

FAQs

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

You can use "take a decision" to describe the process of making a choice. For example, "The board had to take a decision about the company's future direction."

What are some alternatives to "take a decision"?

You can use alternatives like "make a determination", "reach a conclusion", or "come to a decision" depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "take a decision" or "decide"?

"Take a decision" tends to be slightly more formal than simply saying "decide". However, both are perfectly acceptable in most contexts.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "take a decision"?

It is appropriate to use "take a decision" in both formal and informal settings when describing the act of making a choice or judgment after consideration.