the ability to decide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the ability to decide" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's capacity or power to make choices or judgments in various contexts, such as decision-making processes or personal autonomy. Example: "Having the ability to decide for oneself is crucial for personal growth and independence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This state has the ability to decide this close election.

The New York Times

"You have the ability to decide what this state decides".

The New York Times

"Everyone should have the ability to decide what types of metadata they leave behind," Tigas said.

The Guardian

You have the ability to decide where America's going to go.

The New York Times

We still retain the ability to decide who comes from the rest of the world.

The Washington Post

I (and my publisher) lost the ability to decide if, when, and how to publish as an e-book".

The Guardian - Tech

The treaty's supporters say Ireland will retain the ability to decide for itself on these and other issues.

The New York Times

"Each school administration seems to have the ability to decide how welcoming they want to be to parents," she said.

The New York Times

But what I do not accept is being denied the ability to decide the timing and manner of my death.

The Guardian

The effect on agency depends on the outcome variable in question with the most significant increases be- ing in the ability to decide how many children to have.

Princeton University

Balazs Dzsudzsak has the ability to decide games but as the team's star he faces bigger expectations and more criticism after bad performances.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the ability to decide", ensure that the context clearly indicates who possesses this ability and what decisions they are capable of making. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the ability to decide" in contexts where the actual power to decide is limited or non-existent. Accurately represent the extent of the decision-making authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the ability to decide" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the capacity or power to make choices or judgments, as exemplified by the provided instances in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the ability to decide" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that denotes the capacity to make choices or judgments. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to express empowerment or authority. Its neutral to professional register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, academia, and business. While alternatives like "the power to choose" exist, "the ability to decide" remains a clear and effective way to convey decision-making capabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the power to choose

Focuses on the capacity to select from alternatives.

the capacity for decision-making

Highlights the inherent capability to engage in the decision process.

the authority to determine

Emphasizes the right and power to settle or conclude something.

the prerogative to judge

Stresses the exclusive right or privilege to form an opinion or evaluation.

the option to resolve

Focuses on the possibility and means to find a solution or make a firm decision.

the faculty of discernment

Highlights the ability to perceive and understand differences, leading to informed decisions.

the competence to adjudicate

Emphasizes the skill and authority to act as a judge in a formal setting.

the wherewithal to elect

Focuses on having the necessary means or resources to make a choice.

the entitlement to arbitrate

Stresses the legal or moral right to mediate and decide.

the discretion to settle

Highlights the freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "the ability to decide" in a sentence?

To effectively use "the ability to decide", ensure the sentence clearly specifies who has the ability and what the scope of their decision-making is. For instance, "Technological changes have given parents the ability to decide which programs their children can watch."

What are some alternatives to "the ability to decide"?

You can use alternatives like "the power to choose", "the capacity for decision-making", or "the authority to determine" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "the ability to decide" and "the right to decide"?

"The ability to decide" refers to the capability or competence to make a decision, while "the right to decide" implies having the moral or legal authority. The former focuses on capability, the latter on permission or entitlement.

In what contexts is "the ability to decide" most appropriately used?

The phrase "the ability to decide" is appropriately used in contexts discussing personal autonomy, political elections, or any scenario where individuals or groups are empowered to make choices. For example, discussing a state's ability to decide a close election.