tragic decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tragic decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a choice that leads to unfortunate or sorrowful consequences. Example: "The tragic decision to ignore the warnings resulted in a disaster that could have been avoided."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

And: "The decision to drop the bomb was the most tragic decision in American history.

The New York Times - Books

Kwarteng argued that the overly self-confident public-school-bred individualism of Empire builders paired with the autonomy granted them led to messy and tragic decision making.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This triggers her tragic decision to shed her revealing Huckabees Corporation hot pants and provocative bikinis and replace them with roomy overhauls and a ludicrous Amish bonnet.

The Guardian - Film

Those links led him to be an ambassador for the country's World Cup bid, and allegedly played a huge role in Barcelona's controversial and tragic decision to finally put commercial sponsorship on their shirts a few years ago.

Independent

She did firmly reassert her position against the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy and did not shy away from her opposition as solicitor general to the court's tragic decision to allow unlimited corporate spending in elections.

The New York Times

The tragic decision for the UK to leave the European Union has prompted us to undertake, with your help, a new series in which we celebrate the great cities of Europe through the music they have inspired.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

A — By tragic decisions at Yalta and Teheran.

The New Yorker

Carroll directs our attention to the third week in January 1943 — to him, a fateful week during which three tragic decisions were made.

The New York Times - Books

"And it was prolonged because it seemed easier to muddle through than admit that it had been caused by tragic decisions, made by five American Presidents, belonging to both political parties".

The New Yorker

If Bergdahl follows Jenkins's lead and decides not to return home to Idaho, he will retire to somewhere as rural and remote as the land of his childhood, and spend a long while contemplating tragic decisions – in his case, without any compensating joys.

The Guardian - Opinion

My heart goes out to the families of those who couldn't take it anymore and made tragic decisions.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "tragic decision", provide context. Explain the circumstances leading to the decision and the consequences that followed to fully convey the gravity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using overly dramatic language when describing a "tragic decision". While it's important to convey the seriousness of the situation, excessive melodrama can undermine your credibility and distract from the core message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tragic decision" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "tragic" modifies the noun "decision". It describes a choice or resolution that results in unfortunate, sorrowful, or devastating consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard phrase used in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tragic decision" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a choice that leads to unfortunate and sorrowful outcomes. As Ludwig AI points out, it is usable in written English and suitable in different contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, conveying a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, be sure to provide context and avoid excessive melodrama to effectively convey the gravity of the situation. Consider alternatives like "devastating choice" or "catastrophic judgment" depending on the context. The high usage and varied examples confirm its place in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devastating choice

Emphasizes the severely damaging impact of the decision.

catastrophic judgment

Highlights the disastrous outcome resulting from the decision.

unfortunate determination

Focuses on the negative luck associated with the decision.

grievous error

Highlights the mistake made in the decision-making process and its painful consequences.

calamitous resolution

Stresses the disastrous nature of the decision and its finality.

ill-fated choice

Focuses on the destiny of bad things happening because of it.

regrettable action

Highlights the feeling of sorrow and remorse associated with the decision.

fatal error in judgment

Emphasizes the deadly consequences of the decision.

lamentable course of action

Focuses on the regrettable nature of the decision and the path it set.

dire commitment

Stresses the severe and urgent nature of the tragic consequences of the decision.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "tragic decision" in a sentence?

The phrase "tragic decision" is used to describe a choice that leads to unfortunate or sorrowful outcomes. For example: "The "tragic decision" to ignore the warnings resulted in a disaster."

What are some alternatives to saying "tragic decision"?

Alternatives include "devastating choice", "catastrophic judgment", or "unfortunate determination", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a decision that had tragic consequences" instead of "tragic decision"?

Yes, "a decision that had tragic consequences" is grammatically correct and carries a similar meaning to "tragic decision". It emphasizes the consequences rather than directly labeling the decision itself as tragic.

What makes a decision qualify as a "tragic decision"?

A decision qualifies as a "tragic decision" when it leads to significant suffering, loss, or misfortune. The consequences are typically severe and deeply regrettable.