to make the final decision

USAGE SUMMARY

"to make the final decision" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "After much deliberation, the committee was ready to make the final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many patients wanted to participate in the decision-making process, although they wanted the staff to make the final decision.

BMC Geriatrics

And somebody has the right to make the final decision".

The Guardian

In other words, you get to make the final decision.

The Guardian

Then, multiple weak classifiers are combined to make the final decision.

NeuroImage

The end benefit would be to assist the physician to make the final decision without hesitation.

Expert Systems with Applications

The supervisor has the responsibility to make the final decision on which applicant to hire.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

She said that of course it was up to Mr. Westerwelle to make the final decision.

The New York Times

Can we allow politicians who are not independent to make the final decision?

The Guardian

We submitted a report to the GNM board meeting which was to make the final decision.

The Guardian

In such disputes, someone inevitably has to make the final decision.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ultimately, the person in power is probably going to make the final decision, so acknowledge that.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "to make the final decision" with phrases that indicate a thorough evaluation process, such as "after careful consideration" or "following a comprehensive review", to convey thoughtfulness and diligence.

Common error

Avoid using "to make the final decision" when the decision is still subject to change or appeal. Instead, use phrases like "to propose a decision" or "to recommend a course of action" to reflect the tentative nature of the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make the final decision" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as a complement to a verb or as an adverbial modifier indicating purpose. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

34%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

22%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to make the final decision" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing the act of reaching a definitive conclusion or judgment. As confirmed by Ludwig, its versatility allows it to fit into diverse contexts, including science, news media, and academia. While its register is generally neutral, it appears more often in formal and professional settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding who holds the authority to decide and consider preceding it with phrases that denote thorough evaluation. Avoid overstating the finality of a decision if it remains subject to change. By following these guidelines, you can effectively convey your intended meaning and ensure your writing remains clear and accurate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to reach a definitive conclusion

Similar to the original, but uses "conclusion" instead of "decision" offering a slight variation.

to render the ultimate verdict

Replaces "decision" with "verdict" and "final" with "ultimate", framing it as a formal judgment.

to arrive at a conclusive resolution

Focuses on the resolution aspect, using "conclusive" to emphasize the finality.

to settle on a definitive choice

Emphasizes the selection aspect, using "definitive" to highlight the certainty of the choice.

to conclude with a firm determination

Highlights the act of concluding, with "firm determination" stressing the resoluteness.

to exercise the power of final say

Focuses on the authority and power involved in making the final decision.

to take the ultimate call

Uses "call" instead of "decision", suggesting a decisive action or judgment.

to impose the final judgement

Suggests a more forceful action of issuing a final decision or ruling.

to have the last word

An idiomatic expression meaning to have the authority to make the ultimate decision.

to seal the matter

Implies bringing something to a close by making a final decision.

FAQs

How can I use "to make the final decision" in a sentence?

You can use "to make the final decision" to indicate the act of concluding a deliberation or process with a definitive choice. For example, "The committee met for hours "to make the final decision" on the budget allocation".

What phrases are similar to "to make the final decision"?

Similar phrases include "to reach a conclusion", "to arrive at a resolution", or "to render a verdict", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "to make a final decision" or "to make the final decision"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "to make the final decision" implies a specific, predetermined decision within a known context, whereas "to make a final decision" refers to making a conclusive decision in general. Use "the" when referring to a particular decision and "a" when speaking more generally.

What's the difference between "to make the final decision" and "to have the final say"?

"To make the final decision" refers to the act of deciding, while "to have the final say" indicates the authority or power to make that decision. You can "to have the final say" and then "to make the final decision".