# decide on sth

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/decide-on-sth
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to choose one thing from a list of many possibilities after thinking about it carefully.

For teachers: to select a specific option or course of action from a range of alternatives, typically following a period of deliberation.

## Examples

- We finally decided on the blue car.
- After looking at several different menus, they decided on the Italian restaurant for their anniversary dinner.
- The committee spent several hours debating the budget before they finally decided on a strategy that satisfied all stakeholders.

## Pitfalls

- Not "We decided on go to Spain." but "We decided on going to Spain." — the preposition 'on' must be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form), not a base verb.

## Usage notes

- the object is usually a noun or a gerund representing the final choice made.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'decide to' (followed by a verb) to show that 'decide on' focuses on the selection of a specific noun or option.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.