we decided against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we decided against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a choice or decision not to pursue a particular option or course of action. Example: "After much consideration, we decided against moving forward with the project due to budget constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

(We decided against the climb).

The New York Times - Travel

In the end, we decided against it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

(We decided against it at the last minute).

The New York Times - Magazine

We decided against taking any help from our father.

The New York Times

To keep costs down, we decided against custom-built cabinets.

The New York Times

We decided against giving Hugo a bad Polish accent and sinister scar.

The New York Times

The hamburgers (in the end, we decided against pub fare) were absolutely delicious.

The New York Times - Travel

But when we remembered that the white pine has almost no aroma, we decided against it.

The New York Times - Arts

There was some support for this, but we decided against it.

The New York Times

"We decided against the 'nationalistic' pavilion option and opened up the project into a collateral event with more curatorial freedom".

The New York Times

We decided against doing the beard and eyebrows too, even though the office has been egging me on.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we decided against", clearly state the reason for your decision to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we decided against" without specifying what you decided against. Always provide the object of the decision to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we decided against" functions as a declarative statement expressing a negative choice or decision. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically sound and expresses the act of rejecting a specific course of action. It indicates that a particular option was considered but ultimately not chosen.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we decided against" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that indicates a choice to reject a specific course of action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It's important to follow best practices by clearly stating the object of the decision and the reasons behind it to avoid ambiguity. The phrase is versatile and suitable for neutral to professional settings, appearing frequently in both news media and scientific publications. Consider alternatives like "we opted out of" or "we chose not to" for slight variations in formality and emphasis. By following the writing guidance, you can effectively use "we decided against" to communicate your choices with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we chose not to

This is a direct and neutral alternative.

we opted out of

This suggests a formal withdrawal from an option.

we declined to

A formal way of refusing an offer or suggestion.

we refrained from

This implies a conscious effort to avoid something.

we didn't proceed with

Indicates that progress on something was halted.

we passed on

This is a more informal way of saying no to an opportunity.

we rejected the idea of

Focuses on discarding an initial idea or proposal.

we backed away from

Suggests a cautious withdrawal, often due to potential risks.

we abandoned the plan to

Indicates a complete cessation of a previously considered plan.

we skipped

A more casual way of avoiding doing something.

FAQs

How can I use "we decided against" in a sentence?

Use "we decided against" to indicate a choice not to pursue a specific action or option. For example, "We decided against investing in that company due to the high risks involved."

What's a more formal alternative to "we decided against"?

A more formal alternative is "we declined to". This phrase is suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it always necessary to explain why "we decided against" something?

While not always mandatory, explaining the reason after "we decided against" provides clarity and helps the audience understand the decision-making process.

What is the difference between "we decided against" and "we considered"?

"We considered" implies a thoughtful evaluation of an option, while "we decided against" indicates a final decision not to pursue it. You might say, "We considered investing, but "we decided against" it due to market volatility."