unexpected decision

USAGE SUMMARY

"unexpected decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a decision that was made without prior warning or that was not anticipated. For example: "The board's unexpected decision to close the factory came as a shock to employees and shareholders alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

His unexpected decision stunned Westminister and sparked intense speculation about further defections from the Conservative ranks.

Independent

In an unexpected decision this year, E.On agreed to sell some assets.

The New York Times

Fifteen years ago, the band made the somewhat unexpected decision not to perform Mwng in Wales.

The Guardian - Music

But the court's unexpected decision has put the BJP in a quandary.

The Guardian

"I have made this difficult, and to a great extent unexpected, decision," he said in remarks broadcast on government television.

The New York Times

With both tribes living on the same site, drama runs high as the tribal council makes an unexpected decision.

The New York Times

Microsoft began hunting for a new chief executive, after Steve Ballmer's unexpected decision to step down within 12 months.

The Economist

See articleIntel began the search for a new chief executive after Paul Otellini's unexpected decision to retire in May.

The Economist

His unexpected decision to stay on as deputy leader of the Labour Party could be an embarrassment to Mr. Wilson.

The New Yorker

The unexpected decision to divide the property initially suggested a political solution as much as a legal one.

The New York Times

The Reserve Bank of Australia's unexpected decision to stage another rate increase prompted the Australian dollar to jump on Tuesday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unexpected decision", ensure the context clearly establishes who made the decision and what the decision pertains to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "unexpected decision" without clarifying the decision's impact or relevance. Briefly explain why the decision was unexpected and what consequences it holds.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unexpected decision" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "unexpected" modifies the noun "decision". It describes a decision that was not anticipated or predicted. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

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, "unexpected decision" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a choice or resolution that was not anticipated. According to Ludwig, its use is widespread across various news and media outlets. When employing this phrase, it's important to provide context to clarify who made the decision and why it was unexpected. Alternatives like "surprising choice" or "sudden determination" may be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surprising choice

Emphasizes the element of surprise in the selection.

sudden determination

Focuses on the abrupt nature of the decision-making process.

unforeseen resolution

Highlights the unanticipated nature of the outcome.

unpredicted verdict

Specifically refers to a decision made in a legal or evaluative context that was not anticipated.

out-of-the-blue conclusion

Indicates a decision that appears without any prior indication or warning.

astonishing judgment

Emphasizes the surprising and potentially impactful nature of the decision.

startling resolution

Highlights the shocking or alarming quality of the decision.

unanticipated move

Focuses on the action taken as a result of the decision, rather than the decision itself.

unlooked-for ruling

Similar to “unpredicted verdict” but can apply outside of a legal context.

chance determination

Highlights the element of randomness or unpredictability in the decision.

FAQs

How can I use "unexpected decision" in a sentence?

You can use "unexpected decision" to describe a choice or resolution that was not anticipated. For example, "The company's "unexpected decision" to merge with its competitor surprised many analysts".

What are some alternatives to "unexpected decision"?

Alternatives include "surprising choice", "sudden determination", or "unforeseen resolution". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "sudden unexpected decision"?

Yes, it can be redundant. The word "unexpected" already implies suddenness. It is generally better to choose either "sudden decision" or "unexpected decision" to avoid unnecessary repetition.

What's the difference between "unexpected decision" and "unusual decision"?

"Unexpected decision" implies that the decision was not anticipated, while "unusual decision" suggests the decision deviates from the norm or standard practice. An "unusual decision" might be expected from a particular individual or organization, but it's still out of the ordinary.