was decided on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was decided on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a decision that has been made regarding a particular matter or issue. Example: "After much discussion, it was decided on the new policy changes that would take effect next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As the smoothing-over was decided on, one word muscled its way into vogue: emollient.

The New York Times - Magazine

"When the adjustment plan was decided on, no-one could have predicted where we would be now," he says.

The Guardian

Fittingly, this game was decided on the ground.

The New York Times - Sports

This election was decided on more practical issues.

The Economist

The open pairs was decided on the final board.

The New York Times

Admittance was decided on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Guardian

Nucky's inglorious death was poetic justice, and was decided on last year.

Independent

The amount of payment for each of Sandusky's victims, however, was decided on individual claims.

The New York Times - Sports

But this game was decided on the other side of the ball.

The New York Times

Often, the question of who was a gunman and who wasn't was decided on the spot.

The New Yorker

It seemed to be that the case was decided on the facts".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was decided on", ensure the subject making the decision is clearly identified, either directly or through context. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice constructions like "was decided on" in situations where active voice would be more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The plan was decided on by the committee", consider "The committee decided on the plan".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was decided on" functions as a passive construction used to indicate that a decision has been reached or a choice has been made regarding a particular subject. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable in written English. The examples in Ludwig highlight this function across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was decided on" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that indicates a decision has been made. As Ludwig confirms, it is suitable for various writing contexts, particularly in news, science, and wiki articles. While active voice alternatives might offer more directness, the phrase remains a valid and widely understood way to convey that a choice or resolution has been reached. It's important to ensure clarity regarding who or what made the decision to avoid ambiguity. The analyzed sources confirm its prevalence in formal and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was agreed upon

Replaces "decided" with "agreed", implying mutual consent or consensus.

was settled upon

Suggests a final resolution after some deliberation or debate.

was determined by

Emphasizes the factors or criteria that influenced the decision.

was chosen based on

Highlights the selection process and the criteria used.

was selected according to

Similar to "chosen based on", but emphasizes adherence to specific guidelines.

was resolved through

Focuses on overcoming difficulties or conflicts in reaching the decision.

was established through

Highlights the process or method used to arrive at the decision.

was concluded based on

Focuses on the reasoning and evidence that led to the decision.

was designated by

Highlights that a person or group of people made the decision, with the power to do it.

was opted for

Highlights the decision as a choice or option from other possibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "was decided on" in a sentence?

You can use "was decided on" to indicate that a decision has been made regarding something. For example, "The venue "was decided on" after careful consideration".

What can I say instead of "was decided on"?

You can use alternatives like "was agreed upon", "was determined by", or "was settled upon" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "decide"?

While "was decided on" (passive) is grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "the committee decided") can often make your writing more direct and impactful.

What's the difference between "was decided on" and "decided about"?

"Was decided on" indicates that a final decision has been reached, while "decided about" is less common and might suggest that the decision is related to or concerns something specific.