they decided

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'they decided' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to describe a decision that was made. For example: "The board members discussed their options for several hours before they decided to increase the budget for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They decided".

The New Yorker

They decided unanimously.

Independent

They decided to buy.

The New York Times

They decided to pivot.

The New Yorker

They decided to move.

The New York Times

They decided to fight.

The New Yorker

They decided against it.

The New York Times

They decided on beer.

The New Yorker

They decided to go.

The New Yorker

They decided to take control.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They decided they did.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they decided", ensure the pronoun "they" clearly refers to a specific group mentioned earlier in the text to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they decides" instead of "they decided". Remember that the verb should agree with the plural subject "they".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they decided" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that a group of individuals has made a choice or reached a conclusion. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct usage. The examples show it used to express a variety of decisions, from simple actions to complex resolutions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they decided" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express a past decision made by a group. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage across various contexts. As demonstrated by numerous examples, it is primarily used in news and media, academic writing, and general communication. When writing, ensure clarity in referring to the group represented by "they". Consider related phrases like "they resolved" or "they agreed" for slight variations in meaning. Avoiding subject-verb agreement errors, especially using "they decides", is important. By being mindful of these points, you can effectively incorporate "they decided" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they resolved

Emphasizes a firm decision after some deliberation.

they agreed

Highlights the consensus reached among the group.

they chose

Focuses on the selection of one option over others.

they determined

Suggests a more formal or investigative process leading to the decision.

they concluded

Implies that the decision was reached after considering evidence or arguments.

they opted

Similar to chose, but often suggests a slightly less critical decision.

they settled on

Indicates a final choice, possibly after some compromise.

they made up their minds

Emphasizes the act of overcoming doubt or hesitation.

they came to the conclusion

Highlights the reasoning process behind the decision.

they reached a decision

A more formal way of saying they decided, suitable for official contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "they decided" in a sentence?

You can use "they decided" to indicate a choice or resolution made by a group of people. For example, "After much deliberation, "they decided" to invest in the new project".

What are some alternatives to saying "they decided"?

Alternatives include "they resolved", "they agreed", or "they chose", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "they decide" instead of "they decided"?

No, "they decide" is present tense, while "they decided" is past tense. Use "they decided" when referring to a decision made in the past.

What's the difference between "they decided" and "it was decided"?

"They decided" indicates that a specific group made a decision. "It was decided" is a passive construction that doesn't necessarily specify who made the decision. For example, "They decided to cancel the meeting" vs. "It was decided that the meeting would be canceled".