we decided to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we decided to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a choice or resolution made by a group regarding their state of being or identity. Example: "After much discussion, we decided to be more proactive in our community involvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We decided to be bold".

The New York Times

"We decided to be pro-active.

The New York Times

"We could cut taxes or cut services, and we decided to be realistic".

The New York Times

"We decided to be highly selective and cherry-pick just the right works," Mr. Lowry said.

The New York Times - Arts

We decided to be far more careful and got training on the use of encryption methods.

The New Yorker

Having hit it off in Mesa, we decided to be roommates.

The New York Times

We decided to be old fashioned and used a hand-held compass and paper map.

The New York Times - Travel

This year we decided to be a little braver for the Green Carpet Challenge.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But let's assume that we decided to be broadly diversified at the beginning of the 10 years.

The New York Times

One day we decided to be healthy and headed off towards Carnaby Street and the fledgling health food restaurant, Cranks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"A lot are our regulars, and we decided to be loyal by charging the normal rate [£70-94 per night].

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we decided to be", ensure the context clearly indicates what the group is choosing to be (e.g. "we decided to be more proactive").

Common error

Avoid using incorrect verb tenses or forms after "we decided to be". Ensure the subsequent words logically follow and maintain grammatical consistency (e.g. "we decided to be proactive", not "we decided to be proactivity").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we decided to be" functions as a declarative statement indicating a group's deliberate choice or resolution. As Ludwig AI points out, the examples demonstrate its broad applicability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we decided to be" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that clearly communicates a deliberate choice made by a group. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. The phrase carries a neutral tone, suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "we decided to be", ensure clarity in expressing what the group has chosen to become. Alternatives such as "we opted to be" or "we chose to be" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Be mindful of using the correct verb tense and maintaining grammatical consistency to avoid common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we opted to be

Replaces "decided" with "opted", suggesting a choice made from available options.

we chose to be

Uses "chose" instead of "decided", emphasizing the act of selecting a specific course of action or state.

we resolved to be

Substitutes "decided" with "resolved", indicating a firm decision or determination.

we determined to be

Replaces "decided" with "determined", implying a strong will or purpose in making the decision.

we made the decision to be

Adds "made the decision" for emphasis, highlighting the process of reaching a conclusion.

it was our decision to be

Shifts the focus to the decision itself, rather than the act of deciding.

our conclusion was to be

Changes the phrasing to emphasize the final conclusion reached after deliberation.

we agreed to be

Uses "agreed" to suggest a consensus among the group members.

we planned to be

Replaces "decided" with "planned", focusing on the intention and preparation for a future state.

we intended to be

Emphasizes the initial intention or purpose of the group.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we decided to be" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "we resolved to be" or "it was our decision to be", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "we decided to be" and "we chose to be"?

While both phrases are similar, "we decided to be" generally implies a more deliberate and considered decision-making process. "We chose to be" simply indicates a selection from available options.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we decided being" instead of "we decided to be"?

No, "we decided being" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "we decided to be", as "decide" requires an infinitive verb form.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "we decided to be"?

The phrase "we decided to be" is appropriate in various contexts, including explaining a strategic shift, a change in approach, or a conscious choice made by a group. It's frequently used in both formal and informal settings.