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make a decision — decide

collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcore

to choose what to do after thinking about different options

Say it like a native

Textbook It is necessary for me to arrive at a decision.

Native I need to make a decision.

'Make a decision' is the standard collocation; 'arrive at a decision' is fine but formal, and 'do a decision' is wrong.

Pattern: make a decision (about/on something) | make the decision to do something

In use

  • I need more time to make a decision about which job offer to accept.daily life
  • In my opinion, it’s important to gather enough information before you make a decision, especially when it comes to your career.IELTS speaking

Common mistake

✗ I have to take a decision by Friday.

✓ I have to make a decision by Friday.

In most English, you MAKE a decision. ('Take a decision' exists in formal British/EU usage but 'make' is safest.)

Common collocations

  • make a decision + detail — a tough decision, the right decision, a quick decision, about it

Don't confuse it

'Take a decision' is used in some varieties of English, but 'make a decision' is far more common in everyday conversation.

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