to decide against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to decide against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a choice or judgment that goes contrary to a particular option or proposal. Example: "After careful consideration, the committee decided against the proposed changes to the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It did not take him long to decide against.

The Guardian - Business

Eventually, we may well have to decide against paying for expensive treatments with only modest benefits.

The New York Times

In both 2008 and 2012 he indicated he was interested in contesting, only to decide against.

Independent

This might be reason enough to decide against trying to define what new atheism does.

The Guardian - Opinion

Crédit Agricole is not the only French bank to decide against an equity issue lately.

The New York Times

They also contributed significantly to a political climate that forced President Johnson in 1968 to decide against seeking re-election.

The New York Times

And there is no indication that any of them has complained about being pressured to decide against criminal charges.

The New York Times

He has twice before talked about running for Congress against Mr. Engel, only to decide against it.

The New York Times

Calculations like this led Bloomberg, another billionaire, to decide against mounting an independent bid for the presidency in 2016.

The Washington Post

And it took all participants more time to decide against shooting the non-threatening photographs of blacks, the ones who were holding wallets or cell phones.

University of California, Berkeley

Mr. Christie was but the latest new face cast as a potential savior by reverent Republicans, only to decide against entering the fray.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "to decide against" with a clear explanation of the reasons behind the decision. This provides context and strengthens your argument or narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "to decide against" when you simply mean to postpone or delay a decision. "To decide against" implies a final decision not to proceed, rather than a temporary hold.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to decide against" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate choice or judgment to reject or not pursue a particular option, plan, or action. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to decide against" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to indicate a conscious choice not to pursue a particular action or option. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general discourse. While alternatives like "to reject" or "to opt out of" exist, "to decide against" remains a clear and direct way to express a deliberate decision, fitting both formal and informal communication. It's important to use this phrase when you want to express a conscious choice not to pursue a specific action or option after considering it. The frequency of usage, supported by numerous examples, highlights its significance in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to choose not to

Directly states the act of making a choice not to do something.

to opt out of

Indicates a choice to withdraw from or not participate in something.

to reject

Implies a firm refusal or dismissal of something.

to decline

Suggests a polite refusal of an offer or invitation.

to turn down

Means to refuse an offer or request.

to pass on

Indicates choosing not to take an opportunity.

to refrain from

Implies restraining oneself from doing something.

to abandon the idea of

Implies ceasing to consider a particular plan or thought.

to dismiss the possibility of

Indicates rejecting something as not worth considering.

to scrap plans for

Suggests canceling or abandoning previously made plans.

FAQs

How can I use "to decide against" in a sentence?

You can use "to decide against" to indicate a conscious choice not to pursue something, for example: "After careful consideration, the company decided against the merger."

What's a formal alternative to "to decide against"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "to reject" or "to decline" for a more professional tone.

Is "to decide against" the same as "to postpone"?

No, "to decide against" means making a final decision not to proceed. "To postpone" means to delay or put off a decision or action to a later time.

What can I say instead of "to decide against"?

Alternatives include "to opt out of", "to turn down", or "to refrain from" depending on the specific context.