we must decide

USAGE SUMMARY

"we must decide" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when it is necessary to make a decision. For example: "We must decide whether to go to the movies or to the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here, however, we must decide this question.

Cornell University

We must decide the mood and the structure.

The New Yorker

But first we must decide what we want.

The Guardian - Opinion

And this is the single federal question we must decide.

Cornell University

"We must decide together how to do this through civilized public dialogue".

The New York Times

We all failed, and now we must decide what the mutated records really mean.

The New York Times - Sports

"We must decide all this in a calm environment," he said.

The Guardian

In the end, we must decide whether we want safer tires or bigger sport utility vehicles.

The New York Times

We must decide, proactively, that economies powered by dirty fuel just aren't credible.

The Guardian

We must decide for ourselves if this "absolution by context" argument is adequate.

The Guardian - Tech

But yet, we must decide if it's safe to wear the hijab?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we must decide" when emphasizing the necessity of making a choice or taking a specific course of action. It's a clear and direct way to convey that a decision is required.

Common error

While "we must decide" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in very casual conversations. Consider more informal alternatives like "we need to figure out" or "let's choose" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we must decide" functions as a declarative statement expressing necessity. Grammatically, it combines a pronoun, a modal verb indicating obligation ('must'), and a verb of cognition and volition ('decide'). Ludwig highlights that the phrase is used to introduce the need for a decision or resolution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

24%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we must decide" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to emphasize the necessity of making a choice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and commonly used across diverse contexts. It functions declaratively, prompting consideration and action. While suitable for professional and academic settings, it is essential to consider the overall tone and adjust for overly informal situations. Ludwig's examples show its prevalence in news, academic and scientific sources, underscoring its utility in conveying the need for decision-making. Related phrases offer alternatives depending on the specific nuance and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is imperative that we determine

Emphasizes the critical nature of the determination.

it is essential that we resolve

Highlights the urgency and importance of the resolution.

we are compelled to choose

Indicates a sense of obligation or necessity in making the choice.

we have to make a determination

Focuses on the act of making a formal decision.

we are required to conclude

Highlights a mandatory aspect of reaching a conclusion.

we need to come to a decision

Emphasizes the process of arriving at a final decision.

a choice is required of us

Shifts the focus to the requirement for selection.

it falls to us to elect

Focuses on the responsibility of making an election or selection.

we are tasked with selecting

Highlights the assignment of selecting from alternatives.

the onus is on us to judge

Emphasizes the burden of judgment or assessment in the decision-making process.

FAQs

How can I use "we must decide" in a sentence?

You can use "we must decide" to introduce a necessary choice or action. For example, "We must decide what to do about the budget cuts" or "Before proceeding, we must decide on the best approach".

What are some alternatives to "we must decide"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "we need to decide", "we have to decide", or "it is necessary to decide".

Is "we must decide" formal or informal?

"We must decide" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's appropriate for professional, academic, and news contexts, but may sound overly formal in very casual settings.

When is it best to use "we must decide"?

Use "we must decide" when you want to emphasize the importance or necessity of making a decision. It's suitable when the decision has significant consequences or requires careful consideration.