Every day, we’re faced with choices. From the moment we wake up to when we go to sleep, decisions big and small shape our lives. But when it comes to expressing these moments in English, there’s a phrase that often leads to head-scratching: should we say ‘make a decision’ or ‘take a decision’?
This simple query might seem straightforward at first glance, but it opens up a Pandora’s box of linguistic nuances. The English language is packed with phrases that leave even native speakers puzzled. And here lies our conundrum—a seemingly innocent choice of words that has the power to spark debates among grammarians and language enthusiasts alike.
So, which is the correct usage? The answer might surprise you.
In English, both ‘make a decision’ and ‘take a decision’ are used, but they are popular in different parts of the world. In American English, people usually say ‘make a decision’. This means to decide something after thinking about it. On the other hand, British English speakers often use ‘take a decision’. This has the same meaning but is just another way to say it. So, both phrases are correct; it just depends on where you are or who you’re talking to. Remembering this can help you understand and communicate better in different English-speaking settings.
Understanding the Debate Between ‘Make Decision’ and ‘Take Decision’
In the realm of language, certain phrases often spark debates among speakers, leading to confusion and misconceptions. One such debate centers around the correct English phrase usage when it comes to “make decision” versus “take decision.”
Although many native speakers may affirm that “make decision” is grammatically correct and more common in American English, there are others who argue that “take decision” is a valid alternative. Contrary to popular belief, the origins of the phrase “take decision” are not easily attributable to British English, as it lacks substantial evidence supporting this claim. However, the make vs take decision debate remains significant as it highlights the active process involved in deciding, which is better reflected in “make decision.”
The “make decision” phrase is more fitting for an active and process-oriented approach, reflecting the speaker’s deliberate choice, while “take decision” tends to be regarded as less common or even incorrect.
In an attempt to shed light on the issue, let’s compare the two phrases in the context of their frequency, grammar, and general acceptance among speakers.
| Phrase | Frequency | Grammar | General Acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Make Decision | High | Correct | Widely Accepted |
| Take Decision | Low | Debatable | Less Common |
As the table suggests, “make decision” is more widely accepted and used across American English speakers and is considered grammatically correct. In contrast, “take decision” is relatively less common and its correctness remains debated. Despite these nuances, it is crucial to acknowledge that language is an ever-evolving entity, and differences in phrase usage can enrich our understanding and appreciation of its diversity.
The Cultural Nuances Impacting ‘Make Decision’ and ‘Take Decision’
Various factors influence the choice between ‘make decision’ and ‘take decision,’ such as regional language preferences, the impact of foreign languages, and historical use. By understanding these cultural nuances, one can better navigate the complexities of American English phrases.
British English vs. American English Preferences
While some British speakers prefer using ‘take decision,’ the majority tend to favor ‘make decision,’ similar to their American counterparts. This preference is supported by the evidence from a Twitter poll and further corroborated by a Google Ngram search.
“Twitter poll: 83% of British respondents prefer ‘make decision,’ while 17% use ‘take decision.’”
Fundamentally, in both British and American English, there is a general preference for “make a decision”.
The Influence of Other Languages on English Phrasing
Speakers of foreign languages, such as French, Castilian, Swedish, Italian, and Portuguese, may be more inclined to use “take a decision” due to their native languages. In these languages, direct translations often use a phrase equivalent to “take a decision” rather than “make a decision.” Consequently, non-native speakers might unwittingly introduce these cultural nuances into their English phrasing.
Example:
- French: prendre une décision
- Spanish (Castilian): tomar una decisión
- Swedish: fatta ett beslut
- Italian: prendere una decisione
- Portuguese: tomar uma decisão
Historical Use of ‘Take a Decision’ in American English
Instances of “take a decision” can be traced back to at least 1951 in American English, implying that its use is not a recent phenomenon. However, this phrasing remains less widespread than “make a decision,” which dominates both colloquial and formal American English communication.
While these cultural nuances play a role in the preferences between ‘make decision’ and ‘take decision,’ it is essential to acknowledge the overwhelming prevalence of “make a decision” in both British and American English. Consequently, those looking to adhere to common usage should opt for “make a decision” when faced with this choice.
Analyzing the Poll Results: British Speakers’ Preferences
In order to gain a better understanding of British speakers’ preferences when it comes to the usage of “make a decision” versus “take a decision,” a Twitter poll was conducted. This poll provides valuable insight into the language use statistics of British speakers and reveals the following results:
| Phrase | Percentage of British Speakers |
|---|---|
| “Make a decision” | 83% |
| “Take a decision” (exclusively) | 6% |
| “Take a decision” and “Make a decision” (both) | 11% |
As evident from the poll results, a significant 83% of British speakers favor the phrase “make a decision.” In contrast, only 6% of the respondents reported exclusively using “take a decision,” while 11% acknowledged that they use both phrases interchangeably.
The findings from this poll, coupled with language use statistics, indicate that “make a decision” is the more predominant choice among British speakers. This is an essential piece of information when considering the cultural nuances and preferences of different English-speaking regions.
‘Make a Decision’ vs ‘Take a Decision’: Clarifying the Common Usage
In the debate surrounding the common usage of decision-making phrases, particularly in American English, let’s look at the specifics of each term. To begin, the preferred and correct usage is make a decision. This phrase accurately reflects the active process of deciding between alternatives or options. On the other hand, the usage of take a decision is considered ungrammatical and less common, even among those who argue that it may have origins in British English.
Despite its less frequent usage, “take a decision” is not completely obsolete. In fact, it can occasionally be found in formal writings and historical documents. However, its overall prevalence pales in comparison to the widespread use of “make a decision.” To further illustrate the preference for “make a decision” over “take a decision,” let’s explore a notable example:
“After considering all the options, I decided to make a decision and choose the university that best aligned with my career goals.”
To sum up, when deciding between using “make a decision” or “take a decision,” remember that “make a decision” is generally the preferred choice, both grammatically and culturally. Additionally, “take a decision” is less commonly used and lacks concrete evidence linking it to British English origins. By being mindful of these distinctions, you can ensure that your language usage aligns with accepted norms in American English.
Defining ‘Decision’ and ‘Make’ in the Context of American English
In the context of American English, understanding the definition of decision is crucial in determining the correct usage between “make a decision” and “take a decision.” A decision refers to the process of making a choice or a determination after careful consideration of available options. It’s important to note that a decision can involve selecting between two or more alternatives, and it can encompass trivial aspects of daily life or significant, life-changing events.
To comprehend the phrase “make a decision,” it’s also essential to understand the meaning and usage of the term “make”. In American English, “make” has several meanings, including creating, causing to happen, shaping, or bringing into existence. This term aligns with the concept of choosing between alternatives or options, and it forms the basis for the phrase “make a decision.”
“Make” in American English – creating, causing to happen, shaping, or bringing into existence.
With this understanding, it becomes clear that “make a decision” accurately portrays the active process of deciding and determining the best option between alternatives. This explanation supports the notion that “make a decision” is both grammatically and substantively correct within the context of American English.
Let’s look at some examples of scenarios where “make a decision” would be appropriate in American English:
- After much deliberation, Samantha made a decision to accept the job offer in a different city.
- As the project manager, you have to make a decision on which software tool will be best suited for your team.
- Before going on vacation, Carrie needed to make a decision about who would take care of her dog.
In summary, understanding the definition of “decision” and the meaning of the term “make” is central to discerning the correct usage in American English. The phrase “make a decision” accurately reflects the process of choosing between alternatives or options and is deemed both the grammatically and culturally accepted usage in American English.
Examining the Use of ‘Make a Decision’ in Sentences
When it comes to using “make a decision” in sentences, this phrase is a preferred choice for various scenarios, ranging from trivial decisions to more significant life choices. Here are a few examples that illustrate the correct and appropriate use of “make a decision” within different contexts.
- He needs to make a decision about which college to attend.
- She struggled to make a decision between the two job offers.
- They had to make a decision about whether to rent or buy their first home.
As seen in the examples, “make a decision” communicates the act of choosing between options. In each situation, the decision carries varying degrees of consequences, reflecting the versatile nature of this phrase in different contexts. Furthermore, “make a decision” showcases the entire decision-making process rather than just the final choice, offering a comprehensive representation of the journey to reach a concrete conclusion.
“Make a decision” is generally favored over “make decision” as it provides proper grammatical context within various scenarios.
In summary, “make a decision” is a versatile and commonly used phrase in American English, serving to represent the decision-making process in its entirety. Its application in an assortment of situations – from the mundane to the life-altering – makes it a go-to expression for most native speakers, emphasizing the clear distinction between “make a decision” and its less prevalent counterpart, “take a decision.”
The Formality Spectrum: When to Use ‘Make’ vs ‘Take’ a Decision
As language evolves, certain phrases tend to take on different connotations or levels of formality. In the case of “make a decision” and “take a decision,” understanding the nuances in formality can help you tailor your communication more effectively. In this section, we will discuss the informality of “make a decision” and the more formal and authoritative connotations associated with “take a decision.”
The Informality of ‘Make a Decision’
When it comes to decision-making, “make a decision” is generally perceived to be more informal and applicable to everyday language. This usage encompasses the entire process of deciding, from considering alternatives to reaching a conclusion. It tends to be more suitable for describing decisions with less severe consequences. For example:
“You have to make a decision between pizza or tacos for dinner.”
As seen in the example above, “make a decision” is used in an informal context, where the outcome is not particularly serious or consequential.
The Formal and Authoritative Connotations of ‘Take a Decision’
On the other hand, “take a decision” often signals a formal tone and is more appropriate when discussing decisions with significant consequences. This usage is especially relevant in contexts where authority or an official stance is implied, such as in governmental or corporate settings. In these cases, “take a decision” implies a final and decisive act. For instance:
“The committee will take a decision on the proposed policy changes during tomorrow’s meeting.”
As the example demonstrates, “take a decision” is employed in a more formal setting, reflecting the considerable implications of the decision at hand.
| Phrase | Perceived Formality | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Make a decision | Informal | Decisions with less severe consequences; everyday language |
| Take a decision | Formal | Decisions with significant consequences; authoritative or official contexts |
Ultimately, it is essential to consider the context and the intended message when choosing between “make a decision” and “take a decision.” While “make a decision” is more informal and widely applicable, “take a decision” conveys a sense of formality and authoritative decision-making. By recognizing these distinctions, you can make more informed choices in your language usage and effectively adapt your communication style to various situations.
Final Verdict on ‘Make Decision’ and ‘Take Decision’ in American English
When it comes to the correct use of American English decision phrases, the evidence favors the use of “make a decision” over “take a decision.” This phrase not only aligns with American English’s grammatical and cultural preferences, but it’s also more widely accepted and used by both American and British English speakers.
It’s important to understand that although “take a decision” has some historical presence and is occasionally used in formal contexts, it doesn’t enjoy the same level of popularity or frequency in use. In fact, “make a decision” better reflects the active process of deciding and is suitable for various situations, ranging from trivial choices to significant life decisions.
In conclusion, the final verdict on this debate is clear – “make a decision” is the preferred phrase in American English. By using this more common and grammatically correct phrase, you’ll undoubtedly ensure your writing and communication are both clear and effective. So, when you’re about to choose between these decision-making phrases, remember to prioritize “make a decision” as it will best resonate with your audience and adhere to American English standards.
