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to make a decision

to make a decision

274 1.0
To choose what to do after thinking about the options
  • phrasal verb
  • /meɪk ə dɪˈsɪʒən/
translation icon : tomar una decisión
  • I have considered all the options, and now I need to make a decision about my future.
  • need to make a decision
  • time to make a decision
  • inability to make a decision

I don't have to make a decision on a case by case basis.

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Examples

  • I need to know everything before I make a decision.

  • Please, let us know when you've made a decision.

  • Now you have to make a decision, right?

  • And you can make a decision to stop doing it.

  • And so we made a decision to make a leadership change.

  • We must make a decision now!

  • In this instance, parents were making a decision they truly felt was best for their child.

    Academic text (2004)
  • Sometimes I have to think over matters before I make a decision.

    Academic text (2013)
  • I'd like to talk about this before we make a decision.

  • Ultimately, the clients must make a decision about whom they will consult for privacy services.

    Academic text (2003)

Synonyms

to choose
vsto make a decision
1.0

Pick one thing or person from a group

stresses selection after weighing different possibilities rather than casual choice
to decide
vsto make a decision
1.0

To make a choice after thinking about the options

is the general phrase for making a considered choice
to pick
vsto make a decision
1.0

To choose carefully from a group

is similar but applies to both careful and quick selections
to conclude
vsto make a decision
428 3.1

To decide something after looking at the facts

is a common phrase highlighting the act of selecting after thought
to opt
vsto make a decision
218 3.2

To choose one thing from two or more options

is broader, applying to any considered selection action
to make decisions
vsto make a decision
187 1.8

To choose between different options after thinking

focuses on the single act of making a considered choice
to make up one's mind
vsto make a decision
102 3.2

Decide after thinking about the choices

is the general expression for choosing after considering options
to make the call
vsto make a decision
98 3.7

To decide what to do in an important situation

is the neutral process of selecting after thought rather than taking responsibility
to resolve
vsto make a decision
81 3.4

To decide firmly to do something

is the neutral act of selecting without implying firmness
to opt for
vsto make a decision
63 3.5

Choose one thing from several available

covers that act but also other ways of reaching a considered choice
to take your pick
vsto make a decision
19 3.6

Choose any one you want from the options

involves consideration and weighing of options rather than casual selection
to come to a decision
vsto make a decision
18 2.7

Choose what to do after thinking about the choices

describes the same outcome but highlights the general act of choosing
to come to a conclusion
vsto make a decision
13 3.0

To make a final decision after thinking

is broader, covering everyday choosing as well as formal outcomes
to settle upon
vsto make a decision
1 3.9

To pick one thing after thinking about the choices

is the general act of selecting among options without social emphasis
to arrive at a decision
vsto make a decision
1 2.9

To choose what to do after thinking about the options

is the everyday form focusing on choosing between options

Antonyms

To delay doing something you should do because you avoid it

15 8.3

To delay giving a clear answer or making a choice

How Decisive

to choose
1.0
to make a decision
274 1.0

Surface Forms

make a decision infinitive
made a decision past participle
making a decision present participle
makes a decision third person singular

Morphology

make + a + decision

The meaning 'to choose what should be done' is directly derivable from the constituents: 'make' (to cause or perform) combined with 'decision' (an act of choosing), with the article 'a' merely marking the noun. This verb + noun composition is a common, cross-linguistic pattern and follows ordinary English collocation, so a B1 learner who knows the words will readily understand the MWE.

Etymology

Make a decision comes from a simple image: think of the words make and decision, where to make is to create and a decision was like 'cutting away' other paths so only one choice remained. So to make a decision means to choose what to do and stop looking at the other options.