to decide

USAGE SUMMARY

"to decide" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it any time you are talking about making a choice or determining something. For example, "I need to decide whether to stay or go."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Trying to decide".

The New Yorker

It's hard to decide.

The New York Times - Books

I'm trying to decide".

The New York Times

They get to decide.

The New Yorker

"I had to decide.

The New York Times

Who gets to decide?

The New York Times

"You get to decide".

The New Yorker

Who is to decide?

The New York Times

going to decide today?

The New York Times

One person has to decide"..

The New Yorker

Who so valiant to decide?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to decide" when you want to express the act of making a choice or resolution, especially after considering different options. It's versatile and appropriate for most contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of passive constructions with "to decide" can make your writing less direct. Instead of "It has to be decided by the committee", consider "The committee has to decide".

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to decide" primarily functions as a verb complement or an adverbial modifier, expressing purpose or intention. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct. For example, in "I need to decide what to do", it acts as a verb complement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to decide" is a very common and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to express the act of making a choice or resolution. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. It is versatile, fitting into various contexts from casual conversations to formal writing, as seen in numerous examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker. When writing, be mindful of using passive voice constructions and remember that alternatives like "to determine" or "to resolve" can provide nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to choose

A more general term for selecting from alternatives.

to make a decision

Emphasizes the action of forming a judgment or conclusion.

to make up one's mind

Emphasizes the internal process of deciding, often after hesitation.

to determine

Highlights the act of finding out or establishing something definitively.

to resolve

Focuses on settling or finding a solution to a problem or doubt.

to pick

Similar to "choose" but can imply a more casual selection.

to come to a conclusion

Suggests a process of reasoning that leads to a judgment.

to settle on

Indicates choosing something after considering multiple options.

to opt for

Suggests a preference or a choice between alternatives.

to reach a verdict

Implies a formal judgment, often in a legal context.

FAQs

How do I use "to decide" in a sentence?

The phrase "to decide" is typically followed by what you are deciding about, for example, "I need "to decide" what to wear" or "They have "to decide" who will lead the project".

What are some alternatives to using "to decide"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "to determine", "to resolve", "to choose", or "to make a decision".

Is there a difference between "to decide" and "to make a decision"?

While similar, "to make a decision" emphasizes the action of forming a judgment, while ""to decide"" focuses more on the process of selecting among options. They are often interchangeable, however.

When is it appropriate to use "to decide" in formal writing?

The phrase ""to decide"" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure clarity and precision in your choice of words depending on the specific context. For example, in a legal context, "to adjudicate" might be more appropriate.