What are the definitions of “decide upon”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Choose, select.
Jane spent a long time looking at houses before she bought one, but eventually DECIDED UPON one near her office.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “decide upon”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb decide upon is to choose or select something after considering different options. For example, it can mean choosing a house to buy, selecting a meal from a menu, or deciding on a vacation destination.
What are the different verb forms of “decide upon”?
| Root Verb | decide upon |
| Third Person Singular Present | decides upon |
| Present Participle | deciding upon |
| Simple Past | decided upon |
| Past Participle | decided upon |
Example
After much thought, they decided upon the blue paint for the living room.
Example
She decides upon her outfit for the day after checking the weather.
Example
They are deciding upon the best course of action for their business.
Example
Last week, he decided upon a new car after test driving several models.
Example
The wedding venue was finally decided upon after months of searching.
What kind of phrasal verb is “decide upon”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“decide upon” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She decided upon a new dress for the party.
Example
They decided upon the best candidate for the job.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“decide upon” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She decided upon a new dress for the party.
Example
They decided upon the best candidate for the job.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “decide upon”?
Good things to know
Does “decide upon” have an informal or formal tone?
Decide upon is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
