make a decision
To decide something
Use `make a decision` when you want to sound clear, active, and final about a choice.
En 15 secondes
- Use it to describe choosing between two or more options.
- Works perfectly in both professional and casual settings.
- Implies a final result after a period of thinking.
Signification
This phrase describes the process of choosing between different options. It's like reaching the end of a long road and finally picking which path to take.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Ordering food with a friend
I can't decide between the burger or the salad; I need to make a decision soon!
I can't decide between the burger or the salad; I need to make a decision soon!
A serious business meeting
The board needs to make a decision on the new budget by Friday.
The board needs to make a decision on the new budget by Friday.
Texting a partner about a movie
Just make a decision! I'm fine with any movie you pick.
Just make a decision! I'm fine with any movie you pick.
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects a Western cultural emphasis on individual agency and the importance of 'moving forward.' It gained massive popularity in mid-20th century business English as a way to emphasize leadership and efficiency. Today, it is a staple of both corporate boardrooms and casual kitchen-table conversations.
The 'Make' vs 'Do' Rule
Many people want to say 'do a decision' because of their native language. Remember: if you are creating a result that wasn't there before, use `make`!
The 'Indecisive' Label
In the US and UK, if you can't `make a decision`, people might jokingly call you 'flaky.' Being able to use this phrase shows you are serious.
En 15 secondes
- Use it to describe choosing between two or more options.
- Works perfectly in both professional and casual settings.
- Implies a final result after a period of thinking.
What It Means
Make a decision is a very common way to say you are choosing something. It implies there was a process of thinking or weighing options first. You aren't just acting randomly. You are taking several possibilities and narrowing them down to one. It feels more active than just saying decide.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when you want to sound clear and decisive. It often follows a period of thinking or debating. You can say I need to make a decision when you feel stuck. Or you can tell a friend Just make a decision already! if they are taking too long. It works with small things like pizza toppings. It also works for big things like moving to a new city.
When To Use It
Use it in any situation where a choice is required. At a restaurant, use it when the waiter is staring at you. In a business meeting, use it to move a project forward. When texting a friend about weekend plans, it helps finalize the details. It is perfect for those moments when 'maybe' is no longer an option. Use it when you want to sound like you are taking control.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for tiny, automatic actions. You don't make a decision to breathe or blink. Avoid using it if the choice is already made. If you say I made a decision to eat while the fork is in your mouth, it sounds a bit robotic. Also, don't use it if you want to sound very poetic or flowery. It is a practical, direct phrase.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, being 'decisive' is often seen as a leadership trait. People value those who can make a decision quickly and stick to it. There is a lot of pressure to not be 'wishy-washy' (someone who can't choose). This phrase is the antidote to that hesitation. It’s the verbal equivalent of slamming your hand on the table and saying 'Let's go!'
Common Variations
You will often hear make up your mind, which is more informal. In business, people might say reach a decision to sound more professional. If the choice is very difficult, you might make a tough decision. If you do it quickly, you make a snap decision. All of these revolve around the same core idea of ending the debate and starting the action.
Notes d'usage
This is a safe, 'all-purpose' phrase. It fits almost any situation. Just remember that in the UK, you might hear 'take' instead of 'make'.
The 'Make' vs 'Do' Rule
Many people want to say 'do a decision' because of their native language. Remember: if you are creating a result that wasn't there before, use `make`!
The 'Indecisive' Label
In the US and UK, if you can't `make a decision`, people might jokingly call you 'flaky.' Being able to use this phrase shows you are serious.
Don't Overuse It
For very small things like picking a pen color, just say `I'll take the blue one.` Using `make a decision` for tiny things can sound a bit dramatic.
Exemples
6I can't decide between the burger or the salad; I need to make a decision soon!
I can't decide between the burger or the salad; I need to make a decision soon!
Shows the phrase used for everyday, low-stakes choices.
The board needs to make a decision on the new budget by Friday.
The board needs to make a decision on the new budget by Friday.
Demonstrates a professional, high-stakes context.
Just make a decision! I'm fine with any movie you pick.
Just make a decision! I'm fine with any movie you pick.
Used to show slight impatience in a friendly way.
It took him twenty minutes to make a decision about which sock to wear first.
It took him twenty minutes to make a decision about which sock to wear first.
Uses the phrase to highlight a funny, unnecessary delay.
It was hard to make a decision to move away from my family.
It was hard to make a decision to move away from my family.
Shows the phrase used for emotional, life-changing events.
We have finally made a decision regarding your application.
We have finally made a decision regarding your application.
Standard formal phrasing for official results.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct verb to complete the collocation.
I need to ___ a decision about which car to buy.
In English, we always use the verb `make` with `decision`. We never say 'do a decision'.
Pick the best word to describe a choice made very quickly.
He didn't think much; he just made a ___ decision.
A `snap decision` is a common idiom for a choice made instantly without much thought.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Make a Decision'
Used with friends/family
Make a decision already!
Standard everyday use
I need to make a decision.
Professional or official
The committee has made a decision.
Where to Use 'Make a Decision'
At a Restaurant
Picking a dessert
At Work
Hiring a candidate
Shopping
Buying a new phone
Relationships
Choosing a wedding date
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! In British English, take a decision is very common. In American English, make a decision is the standard.
Neither is better, but make a decision sounds more like a process was involved. Decide is a bit more direct and simple.
The past tense is made a decision. For example: 'We made a decision to stay home last night.'
Absolutely. It's very common to text something like 'Have you made a decision yet?' when waiting for a plan.
It is a decision made very quickly, like a 'snap' of the fingers. Example: 'I made a snap decision to buy the shoes.'
Yes, but it sounds more natural if you have been looking at many colors for a while. 'I finally made a decision on the paint color!'
It is neutral. It works in a job interview or while talking to your best friend.
It's a more formal version of make a decision. It implies a long discussion or a group effort led to the choice.
Both are correct! You can make a decision about the party or make a decision on the party.
You could say you are undecided or sitting on the fence. These mean you haven't chosen yet.
Expressions liées
make up your mind
To finally choose after being confused or unsure.
settle on
To choose one option after considering many.
call the shots
To be the person who makes the important decisions.
pull the trigger
To make a final, often difficult, decision to act.
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