they decided that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they decided that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a conclusion or resolution made by a group of people regarding a specific matter. Example: "After much discussion, they decided that the project would be postponed until next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They decided that sympathy would work better.

The New Yorker

So I was happy they decided that".

The New York Times

They decided that two would do.

The Guardian - Sport

"I don't believe they decided that correctly," Romney said.

The New Yorker

They decided that the boy should see a doctor.

The New Yorker

They decided that Violet should be captured, treated and released.

The New York Times

They decided that the scare stories were not coming true.

The New York Times

They decided that Lake was the most politically vulnerable.

The New Yorker

They decided that Auschwitz was the most advantageous site.

The New Yorker

They decided that the situation called for drastic measures.

The New York Times

Later they decided that we use the drums," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they decided that", ensure the subject ('they') is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify 'The committee decided that...' instead of just 'They decided that...' when clarity is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "they decided that" without providing context or justification for the decision. Briefly explaining the reasoning behind the decision enhances clarity and understanding for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they decided that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing a statement of a decision made by a group. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's a common way to convey a conclusion or resolution reached after some deliberation. The examples provided by Ludwig AI demonstrate its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they decided that" is a versatile and frequently used phrase in English, serving as a reporting clause to introduce a decision made by a group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, primarily in news, media, and general discourse. While it maintains a neutral register, alternatives like "they concluded that" might be preferred in more formal settings. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to provide context or justification for the decision being reported. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage, writers can effectively communicate decisions made by collective entities. Its versatility and consistent application across reputable sources support a high expert rating.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they came to the conclusion that

Emphasizes the process of reaching a decision through reasoning.

they concluded that

Similar to 'came to the conclusion', but more concise.

they resolved that

Suggests a firm and determined decision.

they determined that

Highlights the act of establishing something definitively.

they agreed that

Focuses on the consensus reached among the group.

they made the decision that

Emphasizes the act of making a formal decision.

they opted for

Indicates a choice made from several possibilities.

they chose to

Highlights the act of selecting a particular course of action.

they settled on

Suggests a final decision after considering alternatives.

it was their decision that

Shifts the emphasis to the decision itself, rather than the act of deciding.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "they decided that"?

You can use alternatives like "they concluded that", "they resolved that", or "they determined that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You can use "they decided that" to introduce a decision made by a group. For example: "After a long meeting, they decided that the project should be postponed."

Is "they decided that" formal or informal?

"They decided that" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, alternatives like "they concluded that" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "they decided that" and "they agreed that"?

"They decided that" implies a formal decision or resolution, while "they agreed that" suggests a consensus or mutual understanding. The former is more about the outcome, while the latter emphasizes the process of reaching a consensus.